This species is assumed to be forest dependent (Payne et al. 1985, Francis 1989) and has been documented in secondary forests and foraging in orchards (Fukuda et al. 2009). It is known to roost in caves (Bergmans 1980, Payne et al. 1985, Francis 1989) and Payne et al. (1985) recorded a colony of 300 individuals. The species has been documented to co-roost with R. amplexicaudatus in caves (Niah Great Cave, Sarawak; Bergmans 1980). It is thought to feed on nectar and fruit (Fukuda et al. 2009, Struebig et al. 2012).

The species’ average forearm length is 86.16 mm (n = 4; SD = 2.67 mm) and weight 89 g (n = 4; SD = 8.8 g) is (Fukuda et al. 2009).

Rousettus spinalatus is only known from northern Sumatra (near Medan or near Prapat) in Indonesia, from northern Borneo in Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia) (Francis 1989, Payne et al. 1985, Simmons 2005), and Brunei (Fukuda et al. 2009). One specimen was collected from a cave in central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo; M. Sinaga pers. comm.).

There are no conservation measures in place for this species. The species has been encountered at least once at Niah Great Cave (Bergmans 1980) which is located in Niah National Park, in Similajau NP, Sarawak (Kho Han Guan et al. 2006), and has been documented near Lambir Hills National Park (Fukuda et al. 2009).

A species conservation management plan is needed to inform conservation, management, and research efforts. Protection and restoration of known cave roosts and associated forest habitats are needed. Additional research is needed to better understand the species distribution, population status and trends, ecology, life history, and threats.