During the breeding season males must withstand aggressive attacks by the females. This large tenrec belongs to a group of primitive mammals. The large tenrec will grow to a length of 15 inches. They have compact bodies and very short legs. They are very similar to hedgehogs in appearance.
Some tenrecs hibernate through the hot dry season.
During the breeding season males fights with other males, however, they usually avoid actual contact. The subordinate male will usually roll away in a ball or scamper away. The male will rub against the female to excite her and prior to giving birth the female will indulge in excessive nest building.