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What is the Pancake Tortoise?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

The pancake tortoise gets its name from its unusually flat, flexible shell. It is native to South Eastern Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. The tortoises are brown with dark lines that run down the back of their shells. Due to their unusual shape, pancake tortoises are highly desirable as captive animals for private and public purposes. If properly cared for, they typically live about 25 years in captivity.

Pancake tortoises tend to be small and light. A full-grown adult will weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.5 to 0.7 kilograms). They grow to approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) high.

When determining the sex of pancake tortoises, males can be distinguished from females by easily visible traits. Males are usually smaller, with thicker and longer tails. They also have less distinctive markings on their shells.

Captive pancake tortoises can be fed kale.
Captive pancake tortoises can be fed kale.

As the pancake tortoise is the only kind of tortoise with a flat, flexible shell, it is vulnerable to attack from predators. While the design of the tortoise’s shell leaves it open to danger, it also enables it to hide in small, tight areas, which gives it an extra measure of protection. The pancake tortoise’s shell is so malleable that it can bend nearly in half. It also has more flexible bones and limbs than other kinds of tortoises. A pancake tortoise can wedge itself into a hiding place so well that it can be extremely difficult to remove.

Pancake tortoises are native to southeastern Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Pancake tortoises are native to southeastern Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.

As its shell does not offer sufficient protection from many predators, most pancake tortoises will run rather than shrinking into their shells when threatened. They are adept at running, climbing, and hiding quickly. Often pancake tortoises will spend most of the day in one hiding place, where they lie stacked on top of each other.

The flat shell of the pancake tortoise also limits reproduction. Due to the lack of space, the females can usually only carry one egg at a time. On rare occasions, a female will have two eggs. The tortoises typically breed in January and February.

In the wild, pancake tortoises typically eat grass. A captive turtle will also eat kale, turnips, and collard greens. They eat foods with skin such as beans, peas, apples, and pears, as well. Particularly juicy foods such as tomatoes and cucumbers can cause stomach problems. Meat can also be problematic for pancake tortoises as it can cause overgrowth and bone and liver problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the Pancake Tortoise's shell?

The Pancake Tortoise has a remarkably flat and flexible shell, unlike the domed shells of other tortoises. This adaptation allows it to squeeze into narrow rock crevices for protection. The shell's flexibility is due to reduced bone content and increased connective tissue, providing a significant survival advantage in its rocky habitat.

Where can you find Pancake Tortoises in the wild?

Pancake Tortoises are native to East Africa, specifically in Kenya and Tanzania. They thrive in rocky outcrops and savannas, where their flat shells allow them to hide from predators. Their habitat preference makes them adept climbers, often found basking on rocks or wedged in crevices.

What does the Pancake Tortoise eat?

Pancake Tortoises are herbivores, primarily feeding on a variety of grasses, fruits, and succulent plants. Their diet is rich in fiber, which is crucial for their digestive health. They may also occasionally consume insects, although this is not a significant part of their diet.

How does the Pancake Tortoise defend itself from predators?

Instead of relying on a hard shell for defense like most tortoises, the Pancake Tortoise uses its agility and unique shell shape to evade predators. It quickly scurries to the nearest rock crevice and lodges itself in, making it difficult for predators to extract it due to the shell's flexibility and the tortoise's strong grip.

What is the conservation status of the Pancake Tortoise?

The Pancake Tortoise is listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction and illegal pet trade are significant threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and regulating trade to ensure their populations remain stable.

How do Pancake Tortoises reproduce, and what is their lifespan?

Pancake Tortoises have a slow reproduction rate, laying only one or two eggs per year. The eggs are deposited in a secure crevice and take about four to six months to hatch. In the wild, these tortoises can live for over 25 years, with some individuals reaching up to 30 years of age under optimal conditions.

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    • Captive pancake tortoises can be fed kale.
      By: forevergreen
      Captive pancake tortoises can be fed kale.
    • Pancake tortoises are native to southeastern Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Pancake tortoises are native to southeastern Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.