Aethalops alecto is a frugivorous species that is associated with montane and submontane tropical rainforests ranging from 1,000 to 2,700 m asl (Francis 2019, Wilson and Mittermeier 2019); its forest habitat is declining within some areas. The species’ roosts individually or in small groups (2–3 bats) and pregnant females in Peninsular Malaysia have been reported from February to June (Wilson and Mittermeier 2019).

Although the species’ distribution appears to be restricted to montane and submontane rainforests, it has not exhibited a reduction in its genetic heterozygosity (Kitchner et al. 1993). This can likely be attributed to long-range gene flow among areas, allowing individuals to move freely between populations sampled in Java, Bali, and Lombok (Kitchner et al. 1993). Movement between other locations is likely limited due to the isolated nature of the montane and submontane habitats of these organisms (J.V. Kumaran pers. comm. 2022).

Aethalops alecto has been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia (mainly concentrated on the Titiwanga Range, spanning from Cameron Highlands, Lojing Highlands, Chamah Highlands) and on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Lombok (Simmons 2005, Maharadatunkamsi 2012, Jayaraj et al. 2016, Francis 2019); previous records of A. alecto in Borneo have been reassigned to A. aequalis (Maharadatunkamsi and Syamsul Arifin Zein 2006, PERHILITAN 2010, Tingga and Abdullah 2012, Jayaraj et al. 2016). It is known from montane forests from 1,000 to 2,700 m asl.

The species is estimated to be distributed in at least 2–3 locations given the species fragmented distribution on Peninsular Malaysia and islands of Indonesia, an inferred limited capacity for the species to move among locations, and deforestation threats to montane forest habitats in each location. While there is some evidence of gene flow between bats on Java, Bali, and Lombok islands, movement among islands remains unconfirmed (Kitchner et al. 1993, J.V. Kumaran pers. comm. 2022). The species’ extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) greatly exceed the thresholds for a threatened category under criterion B. However, both the EOO and AOO are inferred to be declining due to ongoing habitat loss through deforestation and agricultural expansion. There is no evidence of a decline or extreme fluctuations in the number of locations, EOO, or AOO.

There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for the species and it is not included in CITES (CITES 2023). Previously, it is listed as Vulnerable on the 2010 Red List of Mammals for Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN 2010), but this was revised to Data Deficient on the 2017 Red List of Mammals for Peninsular Malaysia version 2.0 (PERHILITAN 2017). While it is known to be in protected areas throughout its range (Protected Planet 2023), much of the species’ range is not protected. The species would benefit from limiting deforestation in the montane forest habitat and reforestation of highly damaged areas. In addition to taxonomic research to clarify the relationship of the species on Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java (and associated islands), research is needed to understand the species’ current population size and trends, distribution, ecology, threats, and movements among the islands and with Peninsular Malaysia.