It is a flightless, and thus presumably strictly sedentary species, found in drier swamp areas within primary forest, often near the intersection of small rivers (Bashari 2012, H. Bashari in litt. 2016). One nest was found in 2011, in secondary dry swamp forest dominated by Pigafetta palms (Bashari and van Balen 2012). Previously the species has been reported to occur in dense, impenetrable, swampy thickets, particularly remote parts of sago swamp. 

Habroptila wallacii is endemic to the island of Halmahera in the North Moluccas (Maluku Utara), Indonesia (BirdLife International 2001), where it is known from relatively few records from only a tiny handful of sites.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within Aketajawe Lolobata NP which protects an area of 167,300 ha including a large area of primary forest. Extensive effort has gone in to interviewing local people about the species and its possible whereabouts, with some successes (Bashari and van Balen 2011, M. Poulsen in litt. 2007).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys in additional primary forest areas to establish the species presence and improve population estimates. Incorporate the species into all management decisions taken regarding Aketajawa-Lolobata National Park. Investigate claims that it frequents a variety of other habitats. Continue to use remote sensing data to monitor population trends.