Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical forests, shrubland and grassland, savanna, rural gardens, and urban areas.

Similarly to hedgehogs, neoplasia is common within the species and plays a significant role in morbidity and mortality.

[5] The island of Madagascar ranges from sea level to 2,250 meters above sea level, and Setifer setosus is found throughout the island, with the exception of wetlands and marshes.

The prime habitat for greater hedgehog tenrecs are the eastern forests and lower elevations because of their eating habits, but they are found in wet and dry areas.

They eat insects, grubs, and other invertebrates, as well as fruits, and will scavenge.