Pancake Tortoise
Malacochersus tornieri
The Pancake Tortoise is unique in the tortoise family. Unlike other tortoises, its shell is actually flexible. This makes it lighter and speedier than other tortoises.
Pancake Tortoises feast on dry grasses, fallen fruits and available vegetation. It inhabits thorn scrub and savannah with rocky outcrops (kopjes) where the tortoise can hide.
Conservation
Populations of Pancake Tortoises are believed to have decreased by 80% in just the last 30 years. The biggest threat to this species is habitat degradation and the illegal pet trade. Some countries, such as Kenya, have banned the export of this specie, while Tanzania protects them through the Wildlife Conservation Order.
- Species
-
Pancake Tortoise.
- Length
- 15-17 cm
- Height
- 2.5 cm
- Eggs
- 1-8
- Range
- East Africa - found in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
- Conservation status
- Critically Endangered
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