This species has been recorded from a variety of lowland habitats, ranging from lowland tropical moist forest (often found near to swampy sites) to drier savanna areas and Miombo woodland (Rosevear 1965; Fenton et al. 1990; Hickey and Dunlop 2000; Skinner and Chimimba 2005). It generally roosts in hollow trees, but is also found in man made structures such as houses (Fenton et al. 1990, 1993), disused water towers (Fenton et al.1990, 1993) and culverts (Rosevear, 1965). Animals might also roost in hollow fallen logs, and holes or small caverns in rocks (Rosevear, 1965; Hickey and Dunlop 2000).

This species is broadly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. It ranges from Senegal, through West and Central Africa, to southern Sudan, southeastern Kenya and eastern Tanzania, with scattered records as far south as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is a lowland species.

In view of the species wide range, it is presumably present in a number of protected areas. No direct conservation measures are currently needed for this species as a whole.