[3] Its status as a species has been called into question, and some suggested that it might be synonymous with Noack's roundleaf bat, Hipposideros ruber.

[4] While its mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b may only differ from that of H. ruber by only 6%, a 2013 study found that it was morphologically distinct from it.

While many bats in the genus Hipposideros are similar in appearance, it can be differentiated by several characteristics: a forearm longer than 55 mm (2.2 in); large mastoid breadth; and small, gracile molars.

Based on its small teeth and relatively slender skull, it is thought that they might prey on soft-bodied insects.

The examination of a small colony in December found no juveniles and no pregnant females, meaning that reproduction occurs at another time in the year.

[8] It has only been recorded on Mount Nimba, which is situated on the border of Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia.

[1] Four mine adits currently in use for roosts are greater than 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level, however, while there is only one record of this species from a lower altitude.

These more recent records suggest that it prefers the afromontane savanna, only occasionally traveling to the lowland rainforests.