It inhabits lowland forest, including mixed primary and secondary growth, and has been noted in logged forest on Tawitawi (D. Allen in litt. 2008), suggesting some tolerance to habitat degradation. Likewise, during a field visit to Tawitawi in January 2012, the species was heard, and seemed more common in forest edge and secondary forest, compared with primary forest (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2012). It is unlikely to be altitudinally restricted, as the maximum elevation on Tawitawi is c. 500 m.

Endemic to the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines, where it is restricted to the island of Tawitawi and adjacent Sanga-sanga (Collar et al. 1999). On Tawitawi, there are recent records from four sites, including Languyan, Lubbuk and Tarawakan. On Sanga-sanga, it was recorded at one site in c.1987, but is almost certainly extinct there as the island retains virtually no forest.

Conservation Actions Underway
Military activity and insurgency continue to present a serious obstacle to general conservation activity in the Sulus, although the situation (as of 2024) may be improving. An action plan (Datta et al. 2019) aimed at protecting Anthracoceros montani on Tawitawi, if effectively implemented, will undoubtedly benefit this species by tackling forest loss and hunting. The island of Tawitawi currently has no established protected area (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2024). 

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct an intensive survey in remaining forests to identify further key sites. Determine its ecological requirements, particularly tolerance of degraded habitats. Urgently protect remaining forest and any other areas of habitat found to support the species. Incorporate protective measures relevant to the species within conservation funding proposals for the Tawitawi/Sulu Coastal Area, as and where appropriate. Continue and expand environmental awareness programmes in the Sulu archipelago. Encourage the participation of local people in research and conservation actions and provide relevant training.