Species profile
About the pancake tortoise
The pancake tortoise is a specialist of isolated rocky outcrops. When threatened it runs rather than withdrawing into a high domed shell, wedges deep into a crevice and braces itself with strong limbs.
Its fragmented habitat and demand from the former pet trade have made it highly vulnerable. It is not a routine game-drive sighting; the species is included here to show that Tanzania’s wildlife heritage extends well beyond famous large mammals.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Shelters deep in rock fissures, emerges to bask and feed, and can move surprisingly quickly across stone when disturbed.
Social life
Often solitary, although suitable outcrops may hold several animals. Long-term pair bonds have not been demonstrated.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
A flattened, lightly ossified and flexible shell allows the tortoise to wedge into cracks inaccessible to most predators.
