The most common habitat where this species occurs is interstices in rock slides, but only a few small islands contain large rock slides. Caves and crevices are used regularly. When disturbed, it seeks shelter in a wide variety of places. It has been found under flat stones just above the high tide mark and under turtle shells not exposed to direct sun. Fishes alternate with crustaceans comprise the major food for M. vivesi, depends on the season of the year. The presence of predators (native and introduced), population pressure, temperature, and relative inclination of roost all are factors that influence the presence or absence of M. vivesi at any locality. Gestation takes 55 to 65 days. Some pregnant females were found in March, April and May. Females from Baja California give birth to a single young between May and June (Blood and Clark 1998, Flores Martinez et al. 2005).

This species is restricted to the islands of the Gulf of California with a few colonies on the Sonora and Baja California coasts (Mexico) (Flores-Martinez et al. 2005, Simmons 2005).

There is presence of the species in Las Islas del Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve and Isla Rasa Reserve. The species is included in the Mexican regulation for species conservation NOM-59-SEMARNAT-2001 (under P category which means Endangered with extinction). The protection of this species is being undertaken by the Program for Mexican Bat Conservation (PCMM).