[2] It inhabits mature forests in upland areas, within the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Bougouriba Province.

It was first collected by English naturalist Albert Stewart Meek in April 1904 from Bougainville Island.

[6] Some have considered it synonymous with the greater monkey-faced bat,[7] which is found in the same range, while others maintain them as separate species.

[4] They have a robust skull morphology, with thick zygomatic arches and high sagittal crests.

[2] Their diet is unknown, but specimens in museums have extensive tooth wearing, suggesting that they might feed on hard, abrasive fruits.

[3] The majority of museum specimens were collected from cloud forests at 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) or higher above sea level.

[11] Conservation actions identified by Bat Conservation International include identifying alternate protein sources for indigenous peoples so that they do not have to rely on bushmeat, creating native tree nurseries for reforestation efforts, mitigating conflicts between the fruit-eating bats and farmers seeking to protect their crops, and engaging the community more frequently in conservation dialogue.

Researchers seeking to work in Kunua Plains & Mount Balbi Key Biodiversity Area will pay the Rotokas people for access to their land, hire guides and porters from local villages, and purchase their produce locally to provide income for the Rotokas people.