Fastest tortoise faces threat in Kenya

By Bernard Gitau

The pancake tortoise, a distinctive member of the tortoise family, stands out for its unusually thin, flat, and flexible shell. Unlike other tortoises with solid structural shells, the pancake tortoise boasts a shell peppered with holes, making it lightweight and remarkably agile. This unique characteristic enables it to be the fastest among its tortoise counterparts.

Dr. Dominic Maringa, Head of Conservation and Wildlife at LEWA Conservancy, highlights the significance of this adaptation. “The flexibility of the shell allows pancake tortoises to crawl into narrow rock crevices, utilizing habitats unsuitable for other tortoises,” says Dr. Maringa.

However, these very adaptations have made the pancake tortoise a target for the illegal pet trade, pushing it to the brink of extinction. Classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the pancake tortoise faces threats not only from the pet trade but also from cultural beliefs. Some communities associate them with sorcery and bad omens, leading to their persecution.

Despite being preyed upon by mongooses, wild dogs, and humans, pancake tortoises employ various strategies for survival. Rather than retreating into their shells, they swiftly flee to rocky areas, wedging themselves into crevices until the danger passes.

In response to the urgent need for conservation efforts, Dr. Maringa emphasizes the importance of raising awareness. “There’s low awareness about the pancake tortoise in the community and the country at large,” he notes. However, there’s hope on the horizon. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is leading a national conversation, and efforts are underway to develop a National Species Recovery Strategy for the pancake tortoise.

To monitor and study these elusive creatures, scientists have equipped them with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. These tags serve as reliable ‘barcodes,’ allowing researchers to track individual tortoises and gather crucial data for conservation efforts. Additionally, DNA analysis of collected samples will provide insights into migration patterns and genetic relationships among populations.

Trade in pancake tortoises is restricted under CITES, underscoring the international community’s commitment to protecting this unique species.

Since its discovery in 2019 at LEWA Conservancy, the number of recorded pancake tortoises has increased to 289. Conservationists continue their efforts to safeguard these fascinating creatures and ensure their survival for generations to come.