Animals are generally associated with forest-savanna mosaic habitats. This species can, however, be encountered in tropical moist forest that is close to savanna areas (Happold 1987). Small colonies of nine to twelve individuals have been found roosting in cracks beneath the bark of dead trees, and within houses (Rosevear 1965; Kingdon 1974; Brosset 1966; Happold 1987; Grubb et al. 1998)

This species is widespread over much of sub-Saharan Africa. It ranges from Sierra Leone in the west, through West Africa and Central Africa (although seemingly absent from much of the Congo basin), to southern Sudan and western Ethiopia in the east, from here it ranges southwards through East Africa to Zambia and Angola, with the southernmost record from south-central Mozambique. It is found at elevations of up to 2,300 m asl.

There appear to be no direct conservation measures in place. It is not known if the species is present in any protected areas. Additional research into the taxonomy of this species is needed.