This bat is found from sea level to 2,300 m asl in the semi-arid areas of coastal central and northwestern Peru. The roosts are under granite boulders and in caves (Davis 1970). Stomach and fecal-pellet contents show a food preference for beetles (Coleoptera). This species is apparently reproductively active during the months of July and August. Two large foetuses and four lactating females were reported during this period (Barkley 2008). Tomopeas ravus has been reported from only a few localities throughout its distribution and has not been recorded again for over 30 years, despite several collecting trips searching for the species during that period (R. Cadenillas pers. comm.). This raises the possibility of local extirpation due to the destruction of its habitat resulting from changes in landuse (i.e., agriculture, urban expansion, and other anthropogenic factors) (Zamora et al. 2014).

Tomopeas ravus is endemic to the coastal desert of central and northern Peru, with the exception of some records from the department of Cajamarca in the highlands of northern Peru (Velazco et al. 2013, Zamora et al. 2014). The elevational range of Tomopeas ravus is from near sea level (Department of Piura) to near 2,300 m asl (Department of Cajamarca; Velazco et al. 2013).

The protection of the particular rock formations used as day-time roosts by these bats is needed. None of the localities where this species has been recovered are part of a protected area by the Peruvian government. Also, it is important to implement plans to monitor the subpopulations and study their ecology, feeding habits and roosting behaviour, among other important aspects of their natural history, and detect possible migration routes. Additionally it is will be important to educate local people through workshops on the importance of this species in the ecosystem.