[3][4] It is endemic to Borneo, and known only from its type locality in Lipaso Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia.

[3][4] Based on the type series consisting of five adult males, Leptobrachella palmata measure 14.4–168 mm (0.57–6.61 in) in snout–vent length.

[2] The type series was collected along a clear, rocky hill stream in lowland forest at elevations of 310 m (1,020 ft) above sea level.

While the type locality is a forest reserve, its management is not adequate for the purpose of biodiversity conservation.

More generally, lowland forests, like the one where the species was found, are being rapidly logged, leading to habitat loss.