This nocturnal and terrestrial species is found in humid tropical lowland, mid-altitude and littoral forests, and is sometimes associated with streams or marshy areas in these habitats; it seems not to adapt to secondary habitats (Kerridge et al. 2003).

There is a lower probability of occupancy and significantly lower encounter rate in degraded forest sites than in intact ones. Further, there is a negative association with proximity to villages (Farris and Kelly 2011, Farris et al. 2012, Farris et al. in review a).

Spotted Fanaloka is almost exclusively solitary; however, an adult and juvenile were photographed travelling together in March. Camera-trapping revealed Spotted Fanaloka to be nocturnal, with a few records of daylight activity. Spotted Fanaloka shifts peak activity from cool season to hot season, but this might have resulted from increased human and dog activity (Farris et al. in review b).

During the daytime, animals shelter in hollow trees, under fallen logs, or amongst rocks. The gestation period is around 82-89 days (Albignac 1973). Young are born well developed, and sexual maturity is attained at about two years of age.

Spotted Fanaloka is endemic to the eastern forests of Madagascar and the Sambirano region in the island's north-west (Kerridge et al. 2003). It is present as far north as Montagne d'Ambre National Park and as far south as Andohahela National Park in the south-east. Strongholds include the Masoala Peninsula, rainforests at Mananara, Ambatovaky and Zahamena, and the Andohahela forest region. The altitudinal range is sea level to at least 1,600 m, but the species seems to be much scarcer above 1,000 m (Goodman 2012).

Spotted Fanaloka is listed on Appendix II of CITES. It inhabits a number of protected areas, including Montagne d’Ambre, Masoala, Marojejy, Zahamena, Ranomafana and Andohahela National Parks, and Ankarana Special Reserve.