This study establishes standardized necropsy protocols and describes the anatomical characteristics of greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophusferrumequinum), with sex-based comparisons and interspecific analysis. Six deceased bats (4 males, 2 females) were collected from South Korea between May and August 2025. Comprehensive necropsies were performed following Biosafety Level 2 protocols. Body weight showed no significant sexual dimorphism (females: 18.23 ± 1.26 g; males: 17.22 ± 3.42 g; p = 0.720). Of 13 morphometric parameters, only the second digit length (D2) was significantly longer in males (40.00 ± 0.82 mm) than females (36.50 ± 2.12 mm; p = 0.034). Internal anatomy revealed flight adaptations, including pectoral muscles comprising >80% of muscle mass, asymmetric two-lobed lungs, and a 170 mm intestinal tract where the stomach and cecum were indistinct. Males exhibited symmetrical, white, round testes (5 mm diameter) located 15 mm from the abdominal cavity. Mild hepatic lipidosis was observed in 33% of specimens, but no parasites or wing lesions were found. Comparative analysis with Miniopterusfuliginosus from Jeju Island highlighted interspecific differences in body size and morphology. This study provides essential baseline data for the health monitoring and conservation management of Korean bat populations.

Abstract
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    Specimen collection
    Biosafety protocols
    Necropsy procedures
    Positioning
    Skin incision
    Body cavity access
    In situ examination
    Organ removal
    Organ examination
    Documentation
    Sample collection
    Statistical analysis
RESULTS
    Morphometric characteristics
    Gross anatomical structures
    Musculoskeletal system
    Respiratory system
    Digestive system
    Urogenital system
    Pathological findings
DISCUSSION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
REFERENCES

• Goun Park(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Taeung Jung(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Yonghak Ahn(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Kyongman An(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Dahyun Hwang(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Dongju Jung(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Hyun-Seok Jin(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea)
• Sang-Hee Jeong(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea) Corresponding author
• Chunghyun Kim(Hoseo Bat Research Center, Hoseo University, Asan, Chungnam 31499, Korea) Corresponding author
• Chul Un Chung(Department of Life Science, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk 38066, Korea)
• Kiok Ahn(GAZZILABS Inc., 2nd floor, 6-9 Nonhyeon-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06782, Korea)