Savanna and semi-arid zones of the northern half of Africa from Senegal to Somalia and Tanzania. There is localized distribution in that range, possibly because of the importance of the microhabitat, e.g. they cannot live in damp areas. They eat insects and other small invertebrates, small vertebrates, carrion, and some vegetation. Hedgehogs are very resistant to insect toxins, chemical poisons, and snake venom. Hedgehogs are solitary, avoiding other hedgehogs, and have an attachment to a very small home range.
Courtship is an extended ritual.
Breeding seasons have not been noted in East Africa. Two to ten young may be born after 30-40 days gestation. The newborn have an edematous skin covering their quills to protect the mother during birth. The young are weaned in 40 days. Life span is 8 years.