The species occurs in both primary tropical forest and disturbed forest. It has been recorded from beaches and offshore islands. Flannery (1995) mentions the capture of an individual in a rural garden. This is a foliage rooster, likely in groups and sometimes on offshore islands (K. Helgen pers. comm.).

This species is endemic to West Papua and restricted to the islands of Numfoor, Rani, and Yapen (all in Indonesia).

This species is listed on Appendix II of CITES. It has been recorded from some reserves, however, these are not considered to be well protected.

Conservation needs/priorities

Studies are needed on the species’ population sizes, distribution, and extent of occurrence throughout its range. Monitoring of population sizes and locations over time are also important to establish whether these are stable or experiencing trends of decline.

The threats to these bats are poorly understood. Studies are needed on the species’ habitat requirements and on the effects of forest loss and degradation on the species’ population sizes/distribution. Research is also needed on the amount of hunting and the level of bushmeat trade, and the effects of that hunting on population sizes and persistence.

Effective roost site protection efforts are needed to minimize hunting mortality and disturbance to non-target individuals. Similar to most threatened flying foxes, local capacity building for conservation managers and education and awareness within local communities are greatly needed to support conservation efforts.