There is little information available on the natural history of this species. In Southeast Asia, it seems to be a largely lowland species that has been recorded roosting in caves (S. Bumrungsri pers. comm.). In Thailand, it has been found in vary of forest types, including hill and lowland evergreen, mixed deciduous, dipterocarp, mangrove and bamboo forests, and is tolerant of high disturbed habitats, including plantations, orchards, rice paddies, corn fields and human habitations (Douangboubpha et al. 2010). In South Asia this species roosts in hollows of trees in forests (Molur et al. 2002). The young are born after a gestation period of 180 days (Bates and Harrison 1997). Pregnant females were found in February and March in Thailand (Douangboubpha et al. 2010) and in May in Lao PDR (B. Douangboubpha pers. comm., August 2018).

This species is widely distributed from South Asia into much of Southeast Asia. In South Asia this species occurs in India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttaranchal and West Bengal), Nepal and Pakistan (Punjab) at elevations ranging from 62 to 1,480 m asl (Molur et al. 2002, Srinivasulu and Srinivasulu 2012). Although it has only been recorded from only a few locations in the region, it is quite widespread (Molur et al. 2002). Recently recorded from the subtropical areas of southern China (Zhang et al. 2009). In Southeast Asia, the species is found from Myanmar in the west, through parts of Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and possibly Cambodia (presence here needs to be confirmed, G. Csorba pers. comm.) to Peninsular Malaysia, and from here has been recorded on the islands of Sumatra (Indonesia) and parts of Borneo (Indonesia and Malaysia). In Thailand, it was recorded from altitudinal range of 3 to 718 m asl (Douangboubpha et al. 2010). Although there are reports of this species from Philippines, there appears to be no conclusive evidence of the species presence here (L. Heaney pers. comm.).

In South Asia, although there are no direct conservation measures in place, the species has been recorded from a few protected areas in India (C. Srinivasulu pers. comm.). Detailed studies on taxonomy, distribution, abundance, reproduction, ecology, threats and population monitoring are recommended (Moluret al. 2002). In Southeast Asia, although it is present in a number of protected areas further protection of suitable forest habitat is needed.