This critically endangered bat is said to be the rarest bat species in the world. It is one of only two mammals endemic to the Seychelles, meaning it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Only about 30 to 100 individuals are left in Seychelles.

The presence of a healthy bat population is often an extremely good indicator of environment quality, thus their presence is related to the health of the habitat. Unfortunately, a decline in this bat population could suggest further more widespread concerns.