This is a semi-aquatic animal that is generally associated with clear streams in temperate evergreen forests. It inhabits burrows on the banks or near streams (Molur et al. 2005, Francis 2008, Smith and Xie 2008).

This widely distributed species is found in northern South Asia, central to southeast China, and northern parts of Southeast Asia. In South Asia, it has been recorded from India (Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal) and Eastern Nepal (Molur et al. 2005). In China, it has been recorded from Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan, Ningxia and Yunnan (Smith and Xie 2008). It is present on the island of Taiwan. In Southeast Asia, it has been recorded from northern Myanmar, northern Lao PDR and northern Viet Nam (Francis 2008). It is found at altitudes of 800 to 1,500 m asl in the Himalayas (Corbet and Hill 1992).

It is presumably present in a number of protected areas. General field surveys, research into the natural history and monitoring of South Asian populations are recommended (Molur et al. 2005).