THARAKA NITHI, Kenya – In a historic conservation move, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched the National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan for the Pancake Tortoise (2025-2035).
The event held in Ciakariga Sub-County within Tharaka Nithi County was presided over by KWS, led by Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, and attended by, among others, KWS Board of Trustees member Chachu Ganya.
This move marks Kenya’s bold commitment to saving one of its most extraordinary—and imperilled—species.
Pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) are a little-known species currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Unlike most tortoises that have heavy and solid shells, the pancake tortoise’s shell is soft, flexible, and lightweight.
What is a pancake tortoise
However, the pancake tortoise faces many threats to its existence as loss of habitat due to rock destruction, deforestation, cultivation, and illegal international pet trade.
Against this background, the Kenyan government, through KWS, has launched a 10-year blueprint that aims to rescue one of the world’s most unique reptiles from extinction.
The pancake tortoise, locally known as Kobe Kama Chapati or Kobe Mawe, is a biological marvel with its flat, flexible shell and unusual rock-climbing agility. Yet these remarkable adaptations silently push it toward extinction.
“This Action Plan isn’t just about saving a tortoise,” said Prof. Kanga. “It’s about protecting a living emblem of Kenya’s natural heritage—a species that defies nature’s norms yet now depends on our protection. With females laying just one egg per year, every loss brings this species closer to vanishing forever.”
Developed by KWS in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and international experts, the 10-year plan outlines practical, science-backed strategies, including:
- Habitat restoration and protection
- Enhanced anti-poaching enforcement
- Community-led conservation initiatives
- Scientific monitoring and research
- Sustainable land-use partnerships
Chachu Ganya emphasised the broad coalition behind the plan, acknowledging Turtle Survival Alliance, Rewild, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Turtle Conservation Fund (all facilitated through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy), as well as the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group for their technical expertise.
Where are the pancake tortoises found in Kenya
With 95% of pancake tortoises living outside protected areas—primarily in Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, Embu, Meru, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Marsabit, and Tana River counties—community involvement is critical.
“This is a test of our commitment to biodiversity,” said Chachu. “Not just for conservationists, but for every Kenyan. The survival of this species depends on all of us—landowners, communities, and citizens—to report crimes, protect habitats, and ensure these tortoises thrive.’
Aligned with the KWS 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and Section 49 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, the blueprint reinforces Kenya’s globally recognised Wildlife Protected Area and Community Conservancy Model
“This is our battle cry,” Chachu declared. “Let this be the Decade of the Pancake Tortoise—a time of recovery, hope, and partnership. Together, we will prove that Kenya’s conservation model works.”
Why pancake tortoises should be protected
It should not go without mentioning that it is illegal to sell pancake tortoises under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) rules.
That means that countries that are part of an international agreement on trade in endangered species must ban the trade in pancake tortoises.
However, some farmers still have pancake tortoises since before this restriction was introduced in 2019. Though they no longer sell them.
The pancake tortoise is quite slow to mature, between 5 and 9 years, and can only lay one or two eggs annually, hence why its production rate is very low.
And their eggs take four to six months to hatch.
The pancake tortoises can grow to about 7 inches (18 centimetres).
They mainly inhabit rock crevices in dry areas and are excellent climbers.
And instead of retreating into their shells to hide, the pancake tortoise prefers to run, albeit not very quickly.
