This rodent is recorded in the Ethiopian Highlands. In one study it was more closely associated with natural forest and scrub than with modified land such as farms.
Compared with moorland-dwelling Stenocephalemys, it has a smaller body and a two-colored tail.
A survey around Kafta-Sheraro National Park recorded it more often in natural habitat than in modified areas such as farmland.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.