Bats are a group of mammals that play a major ecological role in tropical ecosystems, particularly in regulating insect populations, pollination, and seed dispersal. This study aimed to characterize the diversity, spatial distribution, and ecological preferences of bats in forested Guinea. Captures were conducted at several sites across the prefectures of Lola, Macenta, N’Zérékoré, and Guéckédou in 2025 using Japanese nets set up in various habitat types. Captured individuals were identified based on morphological and taxonomic criteria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a χ2 test to assess the association between species and habitats. A total of 94 individuals belonging to 7 species and 5 families were recorded. The community was dominated by Miniopterusspp. (35.1%), followed by Hipposideroscaffer (19.1%) and Epomopsbuettikoferi (13.8%). Species distribution varied by prefecture and habitat. Caves and caverns were the most common habitat (50.0% of captures), particularly hosting the cave-dwelling species Miniopterusspp. and Rhinolophusziama. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant association between species and habitat types (χ2 = 169.02; ddl = 18; p < 0.0001; Cramer’s V = 0.774), indicating a strong influence of ecological conditions on their distribution. Insectivorous species accounted for 76.6% of the individuals captured, compared to 23.4% for frugivorous species. The observed sex ratio was balanced between males and females. These results highlight the importance of forest and cave habitats for the conservation of bats in forested Guinea and underscore the need to preserve these habitats in order to maintain the ecosystem services they provide.
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