It is a resident of montane humid forest from c.600-2,200 m, most observations coming from c.800 m and above. It appears to prefer primary, unlogged forest, but also frequents disturbed and degraded habitats in close proximity to primary forest. The observations in the Mamas Valley were of birds feeding on sparsely vegetated, open forest floor on relatively dry mountain slopes, at 1,200-2,000 m. The possible sighting in the Toba Highlands was described as being in a timber plantation planted with eucalyptus species at c.1,500 m, and it has reportedly been trapped at the edge of forest in this region, suggesting some tolerance of habitat modification (M. Iqbal in litt. 2010).

Lophura inornata is endemic to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Conservation Actions Underway
No direct conservation action is known. It occurs in numerous protected areas on Sumatra (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2022) and birds are held in captivity and numerous institutions.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the threat from hunting and associated disturbance. Assess the nature and scale of key threats affecting Gunung Leuser National Park and advocate the control of illegal tree-felling and illegal bird trapping. Encourage Indonesian authorities to monitor and take enforcement action against traders selling the species in markets (C. Shepherd in litt. 2012).