This species roosts in caves in montane evergreen forests, regenerating forests, and coffee and cardamom plantations (Molur et al. 2002, Vanitharani et al. 2004, Wordley et al. 2016). It is primarily frugivorous, and feeds on fruit from at least 18 genera in 16 families, and flowers from at least six genera and five families. Vanitharani et al. (2004) identified Ficus racemosa figs as a major constituent of its diet, alongside the fruits of Elaeocarpus serratus, E. tuberculatus, and Dichapetalum gelonoides.

This species is endemic to South India, and is presently known from localities in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Agasthiyar Hills, Kardana Coffee Estate and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the High Wavy Mountains, and the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu (Molur et al. 2002, Vanitharani et al. 2005, Wordley et al. 2016). It occurs at elevations between 800 m to 1,100 m asl.

This species has been accorded protection under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, amended in 2006. It occurs in protected areas including the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala. It also occurs in privately-owned and managed coffee and tea estates, where the biodiversity and structure is mostly protected. Surveys on key roosting sites, population, ecology, population, and habitat use, and public awareness and outreach amongst locals is recommended.