Conservation Milestone in Kenya: Lewa’s Promising Journey in Pancake Tortoise Protection

Once at the edge of extinction, the pancake tortoise is now showing clear signs of recovery in Kenya’s northern rangelands. Thanks to dedicated research, community support, and conservation partnerships, the species known for its flat shell and ability to hide in rocky crevices is making an impressive comeback.

The journey began in November 2019, when researchers at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the National Museums of Kenya confirmed the presence of seven pancake tortoises living among Lewa’s high rocky outcrops.

“The decision to survey pancake tortoises at Lewa began in 2019, when a small team of researchers, while assessing the broader ecological significance of the landscape, observed signs suggesting the species might be present,” explains Mercy Kinya, a Herpetofauna and Hydrology Researcher at the Conservancy. “This prompted a collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) to conduct a more structured search.”

Initial surveys focused on rocky outcrops that looked suitable for the species, but no tortoises were found. The turning point came when Sumpere Ole Toki, a Lewa staff member with deep indigenous knowledge, asked the team to explain exactly what they were looking for. After understanding their target, he used his memories of past sightings in similar habitats to guide the team to a crevice where he spotted two pancake tortoises. These were the first confirmed individuals at Lewa. Energised by the discovery, the team went on to find five more during that same survey.

“The excitement was palpable,” Mercy recalls. “The team was exhausted and nearly ready to call it a day. Sumpere’s insight changed everything. That moment not only confirmed the species’ presence on Lewa but also demonstrated the immense value of indigenous knowledge in conservation work.”

This was the first time the species had been officially recorded at Lewa, and at the highest elevation in Kenya, 1,647 meters. This small discovery led to a large response.

By March 2022, expanded surveys across Lewa and surrounding conservancies revealed 118 tortoises. Using techniques like PIT tagging, GPS mapping, and genetic sampling, researchers have continued to monitor the population closely. As of mid-2025, the number has grown to an estimated 387 individuals across the Lewa landscape and community conservancies.

“We are still in the process of documenting the population,” explains Mercy. “While it is encouraging to see such numbers, we have not yet determined whether the population is increasing. What we can say is that several conservation measures have helped reduce threats. These include strong community involvement through education and active monitoring, which have lowered poaching pressure. Legal protections and enforcement have curbed illegal collection and trade. Protecting critical kopje habitats has also supported the species by safeguarding essential refuges. These actions are creating more secure conditions, and with continued monitoring, we hope to understand population trends more clearly over time.”

Unique Behaviours in the Wild

Some of the lesser-known behaviours of pancake tortoises, aside from being the fastest of their kind, have been observed by Mercy and her team during extensive fieldwork.

“Wild pancake tortoises exhibit unique behaviours adapted to their rocky habitats,” Mercy shares. “They show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same crevices, and occasionally share shelters with other tortoises during cooler periods. Their basking behaviour is cautious; they stay close to cover and retreat quickly if threatened. Instead of withdrawing into a hard shell, they rely on speed and agility to escape predators. Some females have been observed remaining near nesting sites briefly, suggesting possible nest guarding. Additionally, they display remarkable spatial memory, effectively navigating complex rocky terrain.”

Conservation efforts have significantly bolstered the pancake tortoise population through a multi-pronged approach. Habitat protection has been a key focus, with teams actively restoring and safeguarding the rocky kopje habitats crucial for the tortoise’s survival. Community engagement plays a vital role, as local “tortoise guardians” are trained to monitor populations, deter poaching, and educate their communities about the tortoise’s ecological importance. This involvement, as Mercy affirms, integrates indigenous knowledge and fosters local stewardship for long-term protection. Furthermore, strong policy support underpins these efforts; the pancake tortoise is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN and protected under CITES Appendix I, with Kenya’s government imposing an export ban. Finally, research and tracking using tools like PIT tags and genetic sampling provide invaluable long-term data for scientific understanding and continued conservation.

“Local communities are integral to conservation efforts,” Mercy affirms. “We engage them through education and awareness programs that emphasise the species’ ecological importance. We also provide training and tools to enable community members to participate in surveys and monitoring, integrating their indigenous knowledge. This involvement fosters local stewardship, ensuring sustainable, long-term protection of pancake tortoises.”

National Recovery Plan Launched

A major milestone was reached in May 2025, when the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) launched the Pancake Tortoise National Recovery Action Plan (2025–2035). This 10-year strategy, created with input from conservation experts, local leaders, and groups like the Turtle Survival Alliance, focuses on: Restoring key habitats, strengthening anti-trafficking enforcement, supporting local livelihoods through ecotourism, and continuing population monitoring and data collection. The plan was officially announced on World Endangered Species Day in Chiakariga, Tharaka Nithi County, drawing national attention to the cause.

“Kenya’s 10-year Pancake Tortoise Recovery Plan aims to secure and restore key habitats, strengthen law enforcement against illegal trade, promote community-led conservation through education and capacity building, and support sustainable livelihoods to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts,” Mercy notes. “The plan’s holistic approach combining habitat protection, community engagement, and robust legal frameworks stands out. Its inclusive strategy not only addresses immediate threats but also builds long-term resilience and stewardship, offering a hopeful path toward the species’ recovery and setting an example for similar conservation efforts.”

Partnerships Driving Success

Lewa’s achievements have been made possible through strong collaborations with neighbouring conservancies Il Ngwesi, Leparua, and Lekurruki as well as support from global partners like the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.

From just 7 individuals in 2019 to over 300 in 2025 [123 on Lewa and 264 in the community conservancies], the pancake tortoise has become a quiet conservation success and a symbol of what’s possible with long-term vision and collective effort. The species once nearly invisible in the wild is now at the centre of a national conservation movement. Its story is no longer just about survival but about growth, hope, and what can happen when people come together for a shared cause.

While the population boost is promising, the pancake tortoise still faces major challenges. Habitat loss, climate change, and illegal pet trade continue to threaten its future.

“Pancake tortoises in Lewa face several threats that impact their survival,” Mercy explains. “Predation heavily affects eggs and hatchlings, which are vulnerable to mongooses and small carnivores. The species’ low reproductive rate, typically a single egg per clutch, limits population growth. Environmental pressures reduce survival rates of young tortoises. Unpredictable bushfires damage vital rocky microhabitats and vegetation needed for thermoregulation and shelter. Furthermore, climate change introduces harsher and more variable conditions, disrupting breeding and stressing populations, making recovery difficult.”

Ongoing funding, local involvement, and scientific research remain critical.

“I envision a healthy, self-sustaining pancake tortoise population thriving within well-protected habitats, with empowered local communities actively managing their conservation, especially given that many tortoises inhabit community lands outside formal protected areas,” Mercy concludes.