This species is found in arid and semi-arid regions, tropical forests and wet evergreen forests (Molur et al. 2002). The colonies in northern Africa are found in Sudanian and Sahelian savanna zones where inselbergs and rock crevices are present (Happold 1987). It is often associated with large water bodies. It feeds on beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, moths and flying (winged) termites. It is gregarious, roosting in cliff fissures, rock crevices, caves, tombs, temples, barns, houses, and underground tunnels. Although it is often associated with humans, it is tolerant of only a certain amount of disturbance (P. Bates pers. comm.). It is often associated with other species. Some populations hibernate, some migrate and some store fat.

The naked-rumped tomb bat has a much larger range than previously believed. It has been recorded throughout the southern desert and sub-desert belt of western and central Palaearctic, from Morocco, through the Saharan region across northern Africa to Egypt and north through the Middle East to southern Turkey, and the more arid areas of the Indian subcontinent. The most southerly record is from northern Tanzania. There are two isolated records from Myanmar (the southernmost locality being in the general vicinity of Bago (Pegu) Yoma (Bates et al. 2000).

In South Asia this species is presently known from Afghanistan (Kabul, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces), Bangladesh, India (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) and Pakistan (Punjab and Sind) (Molur et al. 2002).

There are international legal obligations for protection through the Bonn Convention (Eurobats) in areas to which this applies. However, through most of its range, no specific conservation measures are place for this species. It occurs in many protected areas across its wide range.

A study on the impacts of pesticides is required, especially ways in which the impact might be minimised.