This species has been recorded in rainforest patches, open Eucalyptus forests, in mangroves, and over freshwater lagoons and waterholes (McKenzie and Churchill 2008). At least west of, and including, the Dampier Peninsula, it has only been found in mangroves (N. McKenzie pers. comm.). It has been found roosting in foliage and under the roof of a house (McKenzie and Churchill 2008). Females may give birth to a litter of two young.

This species is endemic to northern Australia, where it is found in the tropical parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland (H. Parnaby pers. comm.), Northern Territory, and Kimberley and along the coast of Western Australia. It is also present on offshore islands of the Melville, Bonaparte Archipelago, Groote Eylandt, and the Sir Edward Pellew Group (McKenzie and Churchill 2008). There is at least one record from the tip of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, so it may be more widely distributed (T. Reardon pers. comm.), but the taxonomy of this species requires clarification (H. Parnaby pers. comm.).

This species is present in a number of protected areas.