In South Asia, this species roosts in caves, mineshafts, pagodas, and buildings (Molur et al. 2002, Thabah et al. 2006, Saikia et al. 2018). In Myanmar, it is found in a variety of habitats from highly disturbed agricultural land to secondary forest, in dry zones and humid areas (P. Bates pers. comm., K.M. Swe pers. comm., Bates and Harrison 1997). It is often associated with limestone caves in Myanmar and Indonesia (A. Suyanto pers. comm.). On Peninsular Malaysia, the species has been recorded from primary lowland tropical moist forest. It is also found roosting in human habitations (P. Bates pers. comm.).

This species is widely distributed, ranging from northeastern India, throughout much of southern China, including Hainan Island), and mainland Southeast Asia, into several islands within insular Southeast Asia. In South Asia, this species is found in Bangladesh (Chittagong and Sylhet divisions) and India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya) (Molur et al. 2002). In China, it has been recorded from Hainan Island, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Guizhou (Smith and Xie 2008). On mainland Southeast Asia, it is distributed widely across Myanmar (Pipat Soisook pers. comm.), ranging into Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Peninsular Malaysia. In insular Southeast Asia, it has been recorded from numerous islands including the Sumatra (Mentawi Islands, Nias Island, Simeulue Island), Java, Bali, the Kangean Islands (all to Indonesia) and the southern part of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan [Indonesia] and possibly Sarawak [Malaysia]). This species has been taken from sea level up to around 2,000 m asl.

This species is present in a number of protected areas in its range. Surveys, habitat management, and population monitoring are important recommendations. Public awareness and outreach is necessary in areas where this taxon faces threat due to mining activities (Molur et al. 2002). Further studies are needed to clarify the taxonomic status of populations currently allocated to this species.