The species is endemic to the Horn of Africa.

The specific name, braccianii, is in honor of Italian explorer Luigi Bracciani.

[3] M. braccianii is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan.

[2] The preferred natural habitats of M. braccianii are desert, grassland, shrubland, and savanna, at altitudes of 500–1,900 m (1,600–6,200 ft).

The longest recorded specimen measures 14.4 cm (5.7 in) in total length (including tail).