However, genetic and morphological evidence confirmed that these populations represented a distinct, previously undescribed species, and it was described as Plecotus strelkovi.

[3] It is accepted as a distinct species by the American Society of Mammalogists, the IUCN Red List, and the ITIS.

[3] It is native to the xeric mountain ranges of Central Asia and adjoining regions.

It ranges from northeastern Iran through the mountains of Central Asia, and east to northwestern China.

[1][3] This species is considered Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and does not face any major threats.