Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) Familie: Tortoises (Testudinidae) Orden: Turtles (Testudines)

Other names:  Flat Tortoise. Size:  Usually 13-16 cm, maximum 18 cm (shell length). Distribution:  Kenya and Tanzania. Habitat:  Found in the lowlands around small rocky hills. The climbing skills of the Pancake Tortoise are remarkable; they easily climb af rock surface with a 30 ° slope or more. In a nettet enclosure, they are capable of escaping simply by climbing the fence. When they seek shelter, it usually happens by entering cracks and crevices in the rocks. Here they also seek refuge against enemies, withholding their position by inflating themselves between the rocks. Caught in the open, they will try to escape by sliding down the rock surface or climbing rapidly. Food:  Mainly plant material (herbs, succulents, flowers), but also insects (beetles). Reproduction:  In the wild, the turtles are often found in pairs, but whether this is actual pair bonding is unknown. Males probably fight during the breeding season. They pursue a female, biting her legs and neck and attempting to turn her over. Mating takes place i January and February, and only one egg (5x3 cm) is laid. Hatchlings have been found in January and February. They measure 4-5 cm. Activity and behaviour:  Diurnal, possibly crepuscular. Youngs have been seen active early in the morning. Variation:  No particular variation, but the colours and markings of the youngs are more vivid and contrasting. Status:  Recorded as Vulnerable by IUCN. Listed on CITES Appendix II. Largest threat seems to be illegal collecting, particularly in Tanzania, and the associated destruction of the turtles' habitat. Recent legislation may have improved the situation. References: Spawls, S. & al. 2002. A field guide to the reptiles of East Africa. Academic Press, San Diego etc. 543 pp. Text & layout: Rune Midtgaard

Gallery Home With its flat shell, which is soft and flexible, as opposed to most other turtles, the Pancake Tortoise is capable of hiding itself in rock crevices and inflating itself, so that it is almost impossible to pull out from the rocks, thus making it effectively protected against predators. © Rune Midtgaard.