This fruit-bat is listed as Near Threatened (nearly meets criterion A2d) as the species is in significant decline at an estimated rate of 25–30% over the past 15 years (three generations; generation length = 5 years; Pacifici et al. 2013) . Its is being seriously over-harvested for food and medicine, making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

This species is broadly distributed across the lowland rainforest and savanna zones of Africa from Senegal in the west, through to South Africa in the south and Ethiopia in the east (possibly ranging into Djibouti and southern Eritrea). It is also present on the extreme southwest Arabian Peninsula, where it has been recorded from Yemen and Saudi Arabia (Harrison and Bates 1991). Populations of this species occur on several offshore islands including the Gulf of Guinea islands and Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia (off Tanzania) (Bergmans 1990, Simmons 2005). There is a possibly disjunct population in the Air Mountains of Niger. Distribution at northern and southern extremes of the range is patchy and erratic. It is also sparse or absent in large areas of the Horn of Africa, central East Africa, and elsewhere (Bergmans 1990). This is a migratory species in parts of its range, with populations migrating from the West African forest north into the savanna zone during the major wet season (Thomas 1983). Over a million individuals migrate seasonally to Kasanka National Park in Zambia where they are present between November and January (Sorensen and Halberg 2001, Richter and Cumming 2006). It ranges from sea level to around 2,000 m asl (Ruwenzori Mountains).

In general this is a common species forming large colonies of thousands to even millions of individuals. Within colonies, they form tight clusters of up to 100 animals, although in particularly large colonies this clustering may not be so obvious. Colonies may show extreme roost-site fidelity. During migration this species disperses into small groups. There is evidence of a widespread decline (P. Racey personal communication). A well-known colony in Kampala (Uganda) declined in numbers over a forty-year period from ca 250,000 animals to 40,000 in 2007 (Monadjem et al. 2007). Eidolon helvum is the most heavily harvested bat for bushmeat in West and Central Africa, and this is believed to be a major factor in reported population declines (P. Racey personal communication).

This adaptable species has been recorded from a very wide range of habitats. It is commonly found in moist and dry tropical rain forest, including evergreen forest habitats in the form of coastal (including mangrove) and riverine forest, through moist and dry savanna and mosaics of these and similar habitat types. Populations can persist in modified habitats and the species is often recorded in urban areas, such as wooded city parks.

In general, habitat loss, persecution and hunting are considered to be the major threats. This species is considered locally threatened in parts of its range by severe deforestation, and more generally across West and Central Africa by hunting for food and medicinal use. It is the most heavily harvested bat for bushmeat in West and Central Africa, and one of the most frequently consumed mammals in this region (P. Racey personal communication). Large pre-migration colonies are considered particularly vulnerable to any threats. In some areas this species is considered to be a pest and roosting trees may be cut down. Trees are also cut down in order to catch bats for the market (P. Racey personal communication). More recently, people are afraid of large concentrations bats due to Ebola outbreaks in Central and West Africa and may remove important roost trees to evict the colonies.

It is the most heavily harvested bat for bushmeat in West and Central Africa, and one of the most frequently consumed mammals in this region (P. Racey personal communication).

This species is present in a few protected areas across its range, usually for relatively short periods of time, with a large roosting colony in Kasanka National Park, Zambia. As this species appears to prefer anthropogenic landscapes, conservation of Eidolon should not be approached in terms of traditional “creation of protected areas.” Eidolon conservation requires a completely different approach and way of thinking to get local communities to accept and even protect their colonies. There is a need to identify and protect important roosting sites, and a better understanding of the migratory patterns of this species would be beneficial to any conservation activities. The highest priority is to limit the harvesting of this species to sustainable levels. This would include an extensive community engagement programme in areas of important roosts and engaging all stakeholders, including government in the importance of this species. Under the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) Eidolon helvum is a listed species and as such should be afforded protection in signatory countries. A working group of these countries could form a species action plan and work together to improve protection of this species. Some countries with important roosts, such as Zambia are currently not signatories of CMS and work is being carried out to better understand why Zambia is currently not a signatory.