The species taxonomic concept has been revised, with several populations previously considered T. glis now recognized as T. hypochrysa (Sargis et al. 2013a), T. discolor (Sargis et al. 2013b, and T. ferruginea (Sargis et al. 2013b, Sargis et al. 2014). The Siberut Island population attributed to T. glis is now considered conspecific with T. chrysogaster Miller, 1903 (Sargis et al. 2014).

Recent changes to the understanding of the complex taxonomy of T. glis has resulted in a reduction in the known range of the species, however, it is still found over a wide area, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) estimated at 273,160 km². It is listed as Least Concern, because although confined to lowland habitats mainly on the Malaysian Peninsula, it displays some adaptability to ongoing habitat loss. Nonetheless, the species requires close monitoring given the high rates of forest loss in this region.

It occurs in Southeast Asia, in southern Thailand south of the Isthmus of Kra, through mainland Malaysia. It is found on the islands of Penang, Singapore, Aur, Pemanggil, Tioman, Batam, Langkawi, Terutau, Ta Li Bong, Mapur, Bintan, and the Butang Islands of Adang and Rawi (Sargis et al. 2017). It is probably found on more islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula than are currently known about (E. Sargis pers. comm. 2017).

The species remains fairly common in the Malay Peninsula (K. H. Han pers. comm. 2008). At Segari Melintang Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia this was the most abundant species trapped, with 26 individuals per hectare recorded (Ruppert et al. 2015).

Usually it is found in primary dipterocarp forest; however, it is tolerant to some degree of habitat modification, and has also been recorded from secondary forest, plantations, fruit orchards and trees near housing areas (Parr 2003, K. H. Han pers. comm. 2008). In the Panti Forest, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, it was recorded on the ground at the forest edge in an area of disturbed lowland dipterocarp forest (Li and Chan 2016).

The major threat to this species is severe deforestation due to conversion for agriculture and plantations, and commercial logging, although the species can adapt to a degree of habitat modification.

This species is commonly found in protected areas, including Pasoh Forest Reserve on the Malay Peninsula and Krau Wildlife Reserve (Malaysia). It has been found in Segari Melintang Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia (Ruppert et al. 2015). It is listed on CITES Appendix II.