This species is heavily dependent on undisturbed caves and lowland rainforest. It forages in the forest understory and is rarely caught outside forests (Perret and Allen 1956). Only a single record is known from human residence – government rest house at Mamfe (Sanderson 1940), which may have been well-lit and thus likely to have attracted insects, that in turn potentially attracted the bat. It has not been collected in cleared forest or farmland. A photo of recent captures suspected to be Hipposideros curtus captured by Cameroonian colleagues in farmlands have been re-identified as H. caffer or cf. ruber (I. Tanshi, personal observation). It has recently been captured in Cross River National Park, Nigeria (I. Tanshi, unpublished data), which has added to its known range states. Here, it is known from low to mid elevations (800 m asl), and has been captured along a river. It appears to have a disjointed distribution within this forest, where small numbers (1-8 individuals) are often captured at one particular location but none in nearby areas. Furthermore, within a sampling area of ca 1 km², the species was only encountered in very close proximity to cave-like boulders, demonstrating its dependence on appropriate roosting sites and possibly small home ranges. Also, since several individuals were frequently captured at the same site, it suggests that this species may forage in groups. The species appears to show high roost fidelity, the single known roost in CRNP has been checked annually over the last three years during which time it has been used consistently. Photographs taken in a cave at Ndian in the (iNaturalist.org) suggests that the species may also roost in Korup National Park. However, no captures have been made there, nor have there been additional visits to confirm long term use of this Ndian roost.

The species is endemic to Cameroon, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni and Bioko Island). In Nigeria, it is not found above 800 m asl. Previously suspected to occur in Nigeria, its presence in the country has recently been confirmed, based on captures and a single roost from two adjacent protected areas: Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park (I. Tanshi, unpublished data).

Research needed
Population size, distribution and trends: Intensive understory forest surveys and cave searches across previously known and other localities (for example those identified in distribution niche models) are essential for identification of additional populations and roosts. More surveys, as well as additional ecological and biogeographical studies, are needed to identify potential areas for conservation of this species.

Conservation Actions
1.) Protection of the single known roost of the species in Cross River National Park is now urgent. Cave roost protection depends on preventing all forms of disturbance of this last known roost including ending fruit bat hunting in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park. 2.) Elimination of wildfire outbreaks in both AMWS and CRNP is crucial for maintaining good foraging grounds for the species. 3.) Investigation of the human social dimension to cave roost disturbance and destruction. 4.) Extensive surveys and roost searches across the species range is essential for expanding the reach of conservation efforts and understanding its conservation ecology. 5.) Confirm the status of other previously known cave roosts.