This is a lowland forest species, known only from primary and mature secondary forest in lowlands and hills to at least 700 m (Dutson 2011). The most recent records have been at 75 m in old-growth forest (Davis et al. in prep), one photographed in edge of forest and plantation at about 100 m (D. Watling in litt. 2012 in Davis et al. in prep) and one in old-growth forest at about 200 m (Richards and Gamui 2011). This suggests that it is rare, largely restricted to old-growth forest, and may have a lower altitudinal range on New Britain than the records at 500-700 m on Umboi (Diamond 1976). It feeds on the ground but flushes up to perch in trees and it may also feed on arboreal fruits (D. Gibbs in litt. 1996). 

Henicophaps foersteri is endemic to New Britain and Umboi in Papua New Guinea. It is clearly a rare species but is also likely to have been overlooked. Several were seen on Umboi in 1976 (Diamond 1976) and there are a series of recent records from Pokili Wildlife Management Area (K. D. Bishop in litt. 1987, 1994), but only five recent records elsewhere (D. Gibbs in litt. 1996, Richards and Gamui 2011, P. Gregory 2012, G. Dutson in litt. 2012 and D. Watling in litt. 2012). It is assumed to occur in suitable habitat across New Britain.

Conservation Actions Underway
Has been recorded in both the Garu Wildlife Protection Area and the Poikili Wildlife Protection Area.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to assess population size. Determine best survey techniques. Identify call through investigation of all unknown pigeon calls. Survey status in logged forest. Ascertain altitudinal range. Investigate impact of hunting through discussion with local hunters. Interview hunters about population trends. Map remaining forest and logging concessions across New Britain. Lobby for a moratorium on forest clearance for oil-palm plantations. Encourage creation of community-run sustainable logging rather than commercial logging. Discuss enforcement of regulations in Garu and Poikili Wildlife Management Areas with local landowners.