It is an Old World fruit bat found only in the Anjouan and Mohéli islands in the Union of the Comoros in the western Indian Ocean.

[5] Distinguishing characteristics include their rounded ears, the colour of their fur, and their large, orange or red eyes, reflecting this bat's well-developed vision.

[11] Livingstone's flying fox appears to show a preference for roosting in certain tree species, in particular the endemic Nuxia pseudodentata and native Gambeya spp.

[11] and at forested sites that are typically found on steep slopes, next to valleys where permanent watercourses are present, and facing in a southeast direction and in depressions to provide protection from wind and the midday sun.

[5] After mating, the pregnant females relocate to maternity roost sites to give birth and raise their young until they reach maturity.

[15] The young pups are born fully furred and with their eyes open; their big feet are used to grip onto their mothers directly after birth.

[9] Many efforts are being made to aid in the survival of P. livingstonii, but as the populations of the natives increase on these Comoros islands, deforestation will continue to rise, as well.

As stated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, “If the bats’ natural habitat is not protected, this amazing species could be extinct within 10 years.”[9] The breeding program now includes other facilities, with the Bristol Zoo the site of 30 births from 1999–2013.

[19] The Bristol Zoo and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust exchange male bats regularly to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding depression.