Pancake Tortoise

Scientific Name: Malacochersus tornieri

Order: Testudines

Family: Testudinidae

Conservation Status

About

The pancake tortoise gets its name from its thin, flat, and flexible shell. The pancake tortoise is thought to be the fastest tortoise and the best climber, due to the lightness of its shell. When in danger, the tortoise uses its speed and flexibility to get away from danger by scurrying away and hiding in crevices. The pancake tortoise spends much of its time sheltered among the rocks. Pancake tortoises are very social and get along well in a group, as long as there is enough food for all. As many as ten tortoises have been found sharing the same crevice between rocks. The wild population of pancake tortoises is declining due to collection for the pet trade.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Hungry Jack- 5/16/19

Habitat & Range
Savanna, Shrubland, Grassland, Rocky areas. Pancake tortoises are native to southern Kenya, and northern and eastern Tanzania.
Identification
This species of tortoise has a brown, thin, flat shell with vibrant yellow markings. The body of the tortoise is a light brown color. They grow to be about 7 inches
Diet
In the wild they eat grass, plants and other vegetation in the wild.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Breeding season is January through February. Females will lay one egg at a time in the dirt from June to August. Eggs will hatch after four to six months.
Fantastic Fact
When these tortoises hatch, they are only an inch long and have a domed shell, but as they mature their shell flattens out.

Pancake Tortoise

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact