All species and higher taxa of Recent Erinaceidae are diagnosed, the character‐states most useful in classification are tabulated and the most probable phylogenies presented. Four African species are included in the genus Atelerix. The desert‐adapted Paraechinus is believed to be more closely related to Atelerix than to the convergent Hemiechinus. The ranges of all species are mapped, with emphasis upon areas of parapatry and sympatry. Marginal localities are listed if they are not derived from previously published maps. All nominal fossil species that have been allocated to Recent genera are listed. Ecological data relevant to the interpretations of species boundaries, e.g. relating to diet and habitat, are summarized, and the factors likely to determine the species boundaries are reviewed.