This nocturnal, ground-dwelling species is found in dry spiny tropical forest and shrubland and at the edge of the forest in areas disturbed by cattle grazing. Animals spend the daylight hours asleep in burrows or in the holes that are prevalent in the fissured limestone substrate characteristic of its habitat. While little is known about reproduction in this species, it appears to breed continuously (Goodman 2003).

This species is restricted to the Lac Tsimanampetsotsa region of southwestern Madagascar. It has been recorded from the edge of the Mahafaly Plateau north and further south to near the Linta River (Goodman 2003, Mahazotahy et al. 2006). The altitudinal range is 35-145 m asl (Mahazotahy et al. 2006). A model calculated the range to be 442 km² (Mahazotahy et al. 2006), but a more recent model calculated it to be 1,500 km² (Marquard et al. 2011); although the source is not entirely clear, the figure seems closer to an extent of occurrence (EOO) than an area of occupancy (AOO).

The only protected area within the range of Grandidier's Vontsira is Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Further studies are needed into the ecology of this species, as well as the extent of threats, to allow a more informed assessment of its conservation needs.