This secretive species is found solely in undisturbed, humid, primary rainforest (Langrand and Kirwan 2020). It is a low- to mid-altitude specialist (Hawkins 1999). At the upper part of its altitudinal range it occurs only where trees are large (Evans et al. 1992, ZICOMA 1999). It prefers forest with dark, humid areas, a moderate ground cover of herbaceous, mossy vegetation, and deep leaf-litter (Thorstrom and Lind 1999, Langrand and Kirwan 2020). The least terrestrial of the rainforest ground-roller species, it spends much time perched 2-15 m above ground on horizontal branches, searching for prey (Langrand 1990, Evans et al. 1992). It feeds on invertebrates (88%), often terrestrial, and also small vertebrates (reptiles and amphibians, 12%) (Langrand and Kirwan 2020). It nests in tree cavities and the root masses of epiphytes, often around 20 m above the ground (Thorstrom and Lind 1999). The home range of one pair was 19 ha, occurring over an altitudinal range of 5-200 m within that 19 ha; pairs occupied contiguous territories in this undisturbed habitat (Thorstrom and Lind 1999). The species appears able to re-nest rapidly after natural nest failure (Thorstrom and Lind 1999).

Brachypteracias leptosomus is considered fairly common within its restricted habitat of low- and mid-altitude primary forests in eastern Madagascar, from Daraina Forest in the north to Andohahela in the south (Langrand 1990).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in 23 Important Bird Areas (77% of the total in eastern Malagasy forest) and is found in nine National Parks, two Strict Reserves, three Special Reserves and six Classified Forests (ZICOMA 1999).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys across the species' range in order to produce an improved estimate of the population size based on more recent and complete survey data. Pursue further ecological studies to determine its home-range size and its dispersal capability across deforested, disturbed and degraded areas, in order to clarify the impact of forest fragmentation on its population structure. Compare survey data collected from protected and unprotected areas (M. Rabenandrasana in litt. 2007). Conduct research into the level of hunting pressure on the species. Conduct regular surveys to monitor population trends. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation. Improve the management of the eastern humid forests, especially the control of fires used in slash-and-burn cultivation.