This cave-roosting species is present in both primary and secondary forest habitats; the original specimens from Biak were collected from a garden, while the Owi animals were collected in secondary forest (Flannery 1995). It is apparently common around villages, and very docile. Nothing is known about reproduction, although Flannery (1995) noted a male sex ratio bias of 10 males to four females he captured on Biak-Supiori. Flannery (1995) remarked that they are easily disturbed at the roost in caves.

This species has been recorded from the Indonesian islands of Biak-Supiori and Owi. Populations attributed to this species from Numfoor, however, represent a closely related, undescribed species (K. Helgen pers. comm.). It has been reported from sea level to 200 m asl (Helgen 2007).

It is may occur in the three small protected areas (344 km²) on these islands, but this is unconfirmed. Suitable conservation measures may be protection of known roosting caves. Studies are urgently needed on the distribution, habitat preferences, population size, ecology, and threats to this species. Taxonomic resolution of the populations previously attributed to this species from Numfoor Island is also needed.