This Pteropus faunulus is found in tropical evergreen forests, roosts in wild areca nut palms and has been reported to feed on fruits of silk cotton (Bombax species) (Aul and Vijaykumar 2003). Unlike many similar species, it generally roosts as solitary animals. The species forages in the sub canopy to avoid interaction with the larger P. melanotus (Aul and Vijaykumar 2003).

This Pteropus faunulus is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, India (Molur et al. 2002) and is presently known from only six islands in the Central Nicobar Group (Nancowry, Teressa, Kamorta, Bompuka, Katchal,and  Trinkat totaling an area of ca 580 km²; Aul and Vijaykumar 2003). Pteropus faunulus appears to have been extirpated at its type locality at Car Nicobar Island. At present, the species population is considered highly fragment as it is not known the extent to which the species can move among the six islands. It has been recorded up to an elevation of 200 m asl.

Although it is rare, this species has not been accorded conservation priority by the local or National Government. It is currently is categorized as vermin and placed under Schedule V of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, 1972, amended 2004. It has been recorded within some protected areas. This species is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Long term studies on ecology and habitat and population monitoring are urgently required. There is also a distinct need to determine the movement patterns of this species, specifically whether animals can move between the six known island locations. Awareness and lobbying to accord special protection to this endemic species is emphasised. There is a voluntary ban on hunting near Kamorta Island, though no formal legal regulation on hunting. Roosts that are closer to human settlements are being closely monitored and protected by a local team (Aul et al. 2014).