This species formerly roosted in large numbers in trees. It is believed to forage nocturnally and have a strong fidelity to roost sites (Flannery 1995, Brescia 2007). Roosts have been recorded at the upper end of dense tropical moist forest growing in gullies on slopes (Flannery 1995). It appears as though the species does not breed until its second year, after which females give birth to a single young.

The Ornate Flying Fox is endemic to New Caledonia where it has been recorded from the islands of Lifou, Maré, and New Caledonia (Flannery 1995), it is absent from the island of Ouvéa (Fossier et al. 2017). It appears to range from sea level to around 1,066 m asl. (Sanborn and Nicholson 1950, as referenced in Flannery 1995).

This species has been recorded in protected areas and it is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Local wildlife legislation prohibits the commercial trade in fruit bats and provides a lengthy closed season to hunting. There is a need to further enforce this legislation. Further surveys are needed to identify and protect important sites and habitat for this species. Ongoing studies into its population numbers and trends, degree of utilisation, current status, and ecology are being conducted by IAC (Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien) (Brescia 2007).