This is an open aerial species of woodland and lowland savanna, with most records from the southern part of its range associated with major rivers and extensive swamps (Smithers 1983; Dunlop 1999). In Madagascar it is found in dry woodland and savanna habitats (Ratrimomanarivo et al. 2007). The species prefers roosting in total darkness as evidenced by a roost in Maun, Botswana that was located in an attic (Smithers 1983). It has also been observed roosting in long, narrow cracks in trees and in the joints of a concrete bridge (Smithers 1983; Dunlop 1999). In Madagascar, captures of this species have been from roosts in buildings (within crevices between cement walls or bricks), within the leaves of coconut palms, in large tree hollows and shallow rock crevices, and it does not appear to be associated with deep cave day-roosts (Goodman and Cardiff 2004; Andriafidison et al. 2006; Rakotonandrasana and Goodman 2007; Ratrimomanarivo et al. 2007).

This widespread lowland, savanna species ranges from West Africa eastwards to East Africa and southwards into southern Africa. It has been recorded from the Arabian Peninsula (found in hollow trees). It is present on Madagascar, where it is generally distributed in the drier western and southern habitats of the island below 150 m Asl (Ratrimomanarivo et al. 2007).

There is a need to protect large trees and other known roosting sites for this species (this does not apply to populations on Madagascar). In Madagascar, it is known from Beza Mahafaly and Zombitse-Vohibasia National Parks.