This little-known species roosts in groups in caves and tree hollows (Flannery 1995, Bonaccorso 1998). Nothing is known of the diet of the species but it is presumably largely frugivorous like other members of the genus. It is unknown whether the species utilises degraded secondary rainforest. Little is known of reproduction in the species but pregnant and lactating females have been recorded in August and October (Flannery 1995, Bonaccorso 1998).

This species is endemic to Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. It has been recorded from the islands of Fergusson, Goodenough, Normanby, Misima, Panaeati, Rossel, Sudest, Sideia, Kiriwina, and Woodlark (Flannery 1995, Bonaccorso 1998, T. Leary pers. comm.). It has been recorded at elevations of between sea level and 1,800 m asl.

Dobsonia pannietensis is not known to be present in any protected areas, except perhaps a wildlife management area on Goodenough Island and Lake Lawma on Fergusson Island. Immediate protection of  important roosts, and the remaining primary forest tracts within the species range, is required for the conservation of this poorly-known species. Further studies are needed into the species ecology, habitat use and distribution, population trends and threats the species. It is likely more vulnerable on the Trobriands and Woodlark Island (as subspecies, D. p. remota).