Plecotus teneriffae uses a range of habitats, but it is primarily associated with pine forests (Pinus canariensis) and transition zones between pine forests and laurel forests or Fayal-Brezal heather, but also hunts to a smaller extent in mixed and laurel forests and other habitats (reviewed in Razgour 2020). It mostly hunts by foliage gleaning and, according to the limited data available, it mainly preys upon moths. The species roosts in crevices and uses volcanic tubes, caves, water mines, and abandoned buildings (Razgour 2020). Sedentary, P. teneriffae moves not more than tens of km between roosts (Hutterer et al. 2005).

The Canary Long-eared Bat (Plecotus teneriffae) is endemic to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro), ranging across 100–2,300 m altitude (reviewed in Razgour 2020). According to the most recently available information, only two maternity colonies still occur. In this case, an 8 km² AOO was calculated using 2x2 km grid cells and restricting calculation to such two still-existing colonies.

The species is protected by national legislation in Spain. There are also international legal obligations for its protection through the Eurobats Agreement and Bern Convention. It is included in Annex IV of 92/43/EC Habitats Directive. The current conservation status assessed in the art. 17 reporting made under the above-mentioned Directive is Unfavourable-Bad. The species needs urgent protection of the still existent roosting and main foraging sites, as well as comprehensive surveys and population monitoring aimed at establishing the existence of further roost sites and the current population size and trends.