This species generally inhabits riparian habitats in low-lying woodlands and savanna. Vonhof and Kalcounis (1999) indicate that this species is characterised as a tree-roosting bat preferring small trees and shrubs. Populations have been recorded roosting in caves and mines (Skinner and Chimimba 2005). In southwest Asia, the species has been recorded roosting in underground water channels and caves (Harrison 1964; Gallagher and Harrison 1988). In South Asia, little is known about the habitat or ecology of this species except that this species roosts among palm fronds, in the bark of palm trees and crevices in cliff surfaces. It is an early flyer with a low and fluttering flight (Bates and Harrison 1997).

This species is found in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, and South Asia. In Africa widely distributed bat ranges through much of East Africa, with records from Djibouti in the north to central Mozambique and east Zimbabwe. The species has also been recorded in Central Africa from the Congo and Central African Republic border, south Congo, Angola and possibly Gabon. It has been recorded in southern Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, from southwestern Iran, and from Gharo (Sind) in Pakistan (Harrison and Bates 1991, Bates and Harrison 1997).

There appear to be no direct conservation measures in place. In view of the species wide range it seems likely that it is present in some protected areas. Further taxonomic studies are needed for specimens of Triaenops from the Albertine Rift. In South Asia there are no direct conservation measures in place for this species, and the species has not been recorded from any protected areas. Surveys to determine the status of this species are needed (Molur et al. 2002).