This species roosts in large colonies in both caves and trees. It is commonly found foraging in secondary forest, Pandanus, plantations, and gardens. Flannery (1995) thought that the similar -sized Dobsonia emersa excludes it from caves where the two species co-occur. Of the 14 specimens in the type series collected in December 1909 from Waigeo, seven females were lactating or pregnant. Females observed on Biak-Supiori in September were in an early stage of pregnancy, while on Batanta many pregnant females were observed in October (Flannery1995).

This species is endemic to the Raja Ampat Islands (Batanta, Gebe, Salawati, Gag, Waigeo (plus possibly Misool)), and the Biak and Supiori islands (including Owi) in Geelvinck Bay, Indonesia. It is not present on the island of New Guinea (Flannery 1995).

It is present in a number of protected areas.

Research needs

Studies are needed on the species’ population sizes, distribution, and extent of occurrence throughout its range. Monitoring of population sizes and locations over time are also important to establish whether these are stable or experiencing trends of decline.

The threats to these bats are poorly understood. Studies are needed on the species’ habitat requirements and on the effects of forest loss and degradation on the species’ population sizes/distribution.

Further taxonomic studies are needed to determine if this species is conspecific with Dobsonia viridis.