African Pancake Tortoise

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

African pancake tortoises have thin, flattened shells that allow them to wedge themselves into crevices between rocks. Their top shell, or carapace, is different shades of brown and yellow, while their bottom shell, or plastron, is primarily yellow.

Range & Habitat

African pancake tortoises are native to East Africa, specifically Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. They live in rocky outcrops, called kojpe, in dry savanna and thorny shrubland areas.

At the Virginia Zoo, male pancake tortoises can be found living in a mixed-species habitat with Uromastyx and orange-tailed skinks on the African Safari Trail. Our female pancake tortoises are Animal Ambassadors and live behind-the-scenes where they can train with their keepers to participate in up-close encounters and educational programs.

Behavior

African pancake tortoises are crepuscular, meaning they are most active early in the morning and early in the evening. These tortoises stay safe by never straying too far from their shelter and only staying out for about an hour at a time.

Mating behavior occurs throughout the year, but in their natural habitat it peaks in January and February. Nesting occurs in the late spring and early summer. Females dig their nests in loose soil or lay their singular egg in a crevice. They only lay one egg at a time, but may lay several throughout the duration of nesting season. Eggs are incubated for four to six months.

Diet

African pancake tortoises are omnivores, but they primarily graze on dry grasses and succulents. Occasionally, they may also eat seeds, nuts, and insects.

Conservation

The greatest threats to African pancake tortoises are habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. In Kenya, agricultural development is the primary cause of habitat loss. In Tanzania, cattle and goat overgrazing affect this species.

Fun Facts

• Other names for the African pancake tortoise include the crevice tortoise, softshell tortoise, and Tonier’s tortoise.
• African pancake tortoises are the fastest tortoises in the world! Their small size and thin shell allows them to run up to 5 miles per hour.
• When tortoises of this species hatch, their shells are domed like other species. As they age, their shells flatten out.

Virginia Zoo Animals

Male: Bisquick (born: 3/1/1999) & Flapjack (born: 3/1/1999)

Females: French Toast (8/01/2005) & Waffle (born: 8/24/2004)