This species occupies primary and secondary forest, particularly dry, spiny forests, as well as savanna, brushland, palms, and mangroves (Kirwan et al. 2020). Although it can persist in degraded habitat, the species does show a preference for low or medium degradation (Gardner 2012) and is considered commoner in undisturbed as opposed to disturbed areas (Safford and Hawkins 2013). It occurs most commonly between sea level and 800 m, although can be as high as 1,150 m in the North (Kirwan et al. 2020).

This species is endemic to Madagascar, with C. c. cristata occupying the North and East, and C. c. dumonti occuring in western Madagascar.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in a number of protected areas where it is likely to be secure.

Conservation Actions Proposed
As forest cover loss seems to be increasing, studying the species's tolerance to habitat alteration in different areas of its range would contribute to understanding population declines.