Pancake tortoises live in hilly, rocky outcrops throughout Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Also known as the crevice tortoise and softshell tortoise, it is the fastest of all tortoise species.
The life of a pancake tortoise
Females and males both average one to two inches in height and six to seven inches in length, but females are usually a bit longer than males. Both weigh about one pound. After mating, females lay only one egg.
The pancake tortoise’s average lifespan in the wild is about 30 to 35 years, but they can live as long as 50 years in human care. Unlike most other tortoise species, pancake tortoises spend time together in groups.
They are herbivores that eat vegetation like dry grasses, as well as fruit and succulent plants like aloe. Most other tortoise species have a round, stiff upper shell, but the pancake tortoise has a flat, flexible shell.
Pancake tortoises can’t retreat into their shells for protection. Fortunately, they are quick moving and skilled at climbing. They can flatten their shells, wedging into rock crevices to stay safe from predators, which include wild dogs, mongooses and humans.
They also wedge into rock crevices to rest in the shade, coming out for about an hour at a time to sunbathe or find food. They are most active during the morning and early evening.
Pancake tortoise conservation
Pancake tortoises are critically endangered. They are threatened by human development, the illegal pet trade and poaching.
Pancake tortoises at the zoo
Located in the Africa area.
