In the rocky crevices of Kenya’s drylands, where sunbaked stones form silent shelters, lives a creature many have never seen — and few even know exists, the Pancake Tortoise.
The Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) isn’t like other tortoises. Its shell is flat and flexible, built not for defense, but for escape — squeezing into cracks too narrow for predators. It’s nature’s oddity. And it’s in trouble.
Once scattered across Kenya’s rocky hills and escarpments, this uniquely adapted reptile is now Critically Endangered, threatened by Habitat loss, degradation, and illegal collection for the exotic pet trade. As its environment disappears, so does its chance of survival.
Now, for the first time, a coordinated national effort offers hope.
A National Commitment to Conservation
After years of research, consultation, and collaboration, Kenya has launched the National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan for the Pancake Tortoise (2025–2035). The plan was unveiled in Chiakariga, Tharaka Nithi County — one of the species’ last strongholds in a powerful gathering of conservationists, local leaders, and national agencies.
The National Action Plan was developed under the leadership of Kenya Wildlife Service with generous support channelled through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy from the Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle Conservation Fund, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Re:Wild and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It was created in close collaboration with species experts from the National Museums of Kenya, ensuring a science-based and collaboration-driven approach.
“We are not just residents of this land; we are its guardians. And it is our duty to protect and preserve our ecosystem for generations to come.”
— Hon. Nyaga Muisrael, Deputy Governor, Tharaka Nithi County
Why the Pancake Tortoise Matters
Saving this small, elusive species isn’t just about conservation, it’s about what that conservation represents.
For communities, it means functional ecosystems and more sustainable land-use practices in dryland regions. For conservationists, it’s a rare chance to reverse the decline of a species before it disappears. And for donors and partners, the plan offers a high-impact investment in promoting biodiversity, upholding local stewardship, and generating ecosystem resilience.
“This extraordinary creature is facing a serious threat. It’s up to all of us, as Kenyans, to secure its future — and that of our ecosystems.”
— Dr. Erastus Kanga, Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service
Why This Moment Matters
The National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan offers the opportunity for a proactive, coordinated effort to safeguard the pancake tortoise before the species disappears.
The launch was more than a ceremony — it was a public commitment to act and a powerful example of what can happen when collaboration, leadership, and local knowledge come together.
And perhaps most importantly, it signalled this: we still have time to change the story.
Lewa’s Role in the Mission
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has been part of this journey since 2019, supporting research, engaging local communities, and contributing to the development of the national strategy.
“We’re not just conserving wildlife; we’re investing in people and landscapes. This plan is a model for how recovery is done, with science, with community, and with heart.”
— John Kinoti, Chief of Programmes and Partnerships, Lewa
Lewa will continue to play an active role in implementation, helping to mobilize resources, monitor progress, and strengthen the collaboration between conservation partners, county governments, and local stewards.
“The Turtle Survival Alliance is honored to stand alongside the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the National Museums of Kenya and the Kenya Wildlife Service in the development and implementation of the National Pancake Tortoise Recovery Plan. We deeply respect their long-standing commitment to conservation in Kenya and are dedicated to providing the support needed to ensure the success of this crucial initiative for the Pancake Tortoise.”
— Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, PHD – President & CEO, Turtle Survival Alliance
How You Can Be Part of the Story
🌍 Spread the word – Share the tortoise’s story to raise awareness.
💚 Support on-the-ground conservation – Your donations help fund research, habitat protection, and education.
📢 Advocate – Call for responsible land use and strong wildlife protection laws.
In Closing: A Small Creature, A Big Future
The Pancake Tortoise may be soft-shelled and silent, but its survival speaks volumes about the urgency of species conservation, the power of collaboration, and the promise of action taken in time.
At Lewa, we are proud to stand with government institutions, local communities, and partners worldwide to ensure this extraordinary tortoise has a fighting chance and a future.
You can read the Action Plan here:
Also Read: Critically Endangered Pancake Tortoise Discovered on Lewa
