The species makes seasonal within-island movements, becoming very conspicuous in forest, savannah and coastal habitat during the breeding season (November-February). It tolerates, and may even prefer, some degraded habitats (Carvalho et al. 2015). Surveys have show it is more prevalent at lower altitude, especially outside of the breeding season (de Lima et al. 2013; Carvalho et al. 2015; Soares et al. 2020). The diet consists mostly of fruits, which are eaten in the canopy or on the ground (Jones and Tye 2006). 

Columba malherbii is endemic to the islands of Príncipe, São Tomé (São Tomé e Príncipe), and Annobón (Equatorial Guinea). São Tomé is believed to hold the most important population, and this has been estimated at 47,846 - 205,079 individuals (Carvalho 2015), which roughly equates to 32,000-137,400 mature individuals. It remains widespread and reasonably common across São Tomé (Soares et al. 2020) and Príncipe (Fundacao Príncipe 2019). There is conflicting information on its status in Annobón (Perez del Val 2001; Sloan 2017). Anecdotal evidence suggests it is becoming harder to find near populated areas and may be declining moderately rapidly owing to hunting pressure and capture as a cage bird (Carvalho et al. 2015).

Conservation Actions Underway
An important part of this species's range falls within the protected São Tomé Obô Natural Park. Hunting this species is also forbidden in protected areas and between October and February. There are several ongoing projects supporting biodiversity conservation, Protected Area management, and sustainable management of forests in São Tomé  and Príncipe, for example the ECOFAC6 initiative 2018-2022 (BirdLife International 2019).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Research ecological requirements, namely concerning breeding and feeding ecology. Monitor hunting pressure, population trends, and ensure the implementation of existing environmental laws.