The lack of a physical holotype has led to confusion as to whether that name applies to this species or to the sympatric grizzled tree kangaroo.

Depending on the validity of Lesson's description, this species's taxonomic name may be changed in the future.

[6] The brown dorcopsis is endemic to the western end of New Guinea and the islands to the west of this, Misool and Salawati and possibly also Batanta and Waigeo.

[2] Many bones have been found in the deposits on the floor of two caves used by hunters, the result of 26,000 years of human occupation of this area of western New Guinea.

Its habitat can be affected by logging, especially on Yapen Island, and the clearing of forested land for small-scale agriculture.