Rhinolophus pearsoni is a typical cave-dwelling and insectivorous bat species (Rhinolophidae, Chiroptera) in the Wuling mountains of South China. In this study, we investigated its roosting ecology in the karst caves of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Nationality Autonomous Prefecture and Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. Based on the observation of 450 individual-by-times (IBT), the results indicated that most roostpoints were occupied by these bats distributed within a 440 m distance of cave tunnels from cave entrances (99.3%), and generally a 2-10 m height from the cave ground (84%). They roosted in an upside-down posture with two feet and their claws hanging under the cave ceiling or walls; however, about 36.2% IBT were observed in a similar roosting posture but with only one foot and the claws. Body temperature during the investigation ranged from 10.7℃ to 25.2℃ and was always slightly higher than roost-site temperature; furthermore there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) but a linear positive correlation between the two temperatures. Approximately 64% IBT occupied "high safety" roost sites, whereas "low safety" and "medium safety" sites had a percentage of 17.6% and 18.4%, respectively. To effectively conserve this species, human interference and environmental destruction should be mitigated in karst caves.