Rhinolophus maclaudi is found in forest-savanna mosaics, including gallery forests along rivers (Fahr et al. 2002, Weber and Fahr, 2007). This species has been found at a range of elevations from <200 m to 1,400 m, although most records are at 600–900 m (Fahr et al. 2002, Weber and Fahr 2007). Most specimens have been taken from day roosts in caves, but a single specimen has been collected from a house (Fahr et al. 2002).

This species is known from a few scattered localities in western Guinea. Fahr et al. (2002) report that 'apart from the type locality, supposedly Conakry Island, all records are located along the lower, southern slope of the Fouta Djallon region between Kindia and Mamou, near the border with Sierra Leone'. Recent surveys have revealed additional localities in the Fouta Djallon Highlands, ranging as far north as the Gessorewoul River in Prefecture Mali (Weber and Fahr 2007).

There appear to be no direct conservation measures in place. It is not known if the species is present in any protected areas. Protection of habitat, further research, and awareness education urgently required.