Scientific name
Malacochersus tornieri
Its less rigid, flattened shell lets it slip into crevices, a different strategy from that of a domed-shell tortoise. [1]
Origin
Eastern Africa, notably Kenya and Tanzania; dry savannas and rocky formations. [1][2]
- Natural-history profile
- Terrestrial
- Rock-dwelling
- Herbivorous
At a glance
Its less rigid, flattened shell lets it slip into crevices, a different strategy from that of a domed-shell tortoise. [1]
| DOCUMENTED SIZE | 15–18 cm Approximately 15–18 cm carapace length according to the two zoological institutions. [1][2] |
|---|---|
| LIFESPAN | 25–35 years 25–35 years indicated by Chester Zoo; descriptive estimate. [2] |
| LIFESTYLE | Rock-dwelling It often stays near rocky refuges and may be more active early and late in the day. [1] |
Adult size
Approximately 15–18 cm carapace length according to the two zoological institutions. [1][2]
Lifespan
25–35 years indicated by Chester Zoo; descriptive estimate. [2]
Lifestyle
It often stays near rocky refuges and may be more active early and late in the day. [1]
Housing
ENVIRONMENT AND LAYOUT
Rocky shelters — The sources establish the importance of crevices and rocks in its natural habitat. A quantified captive plan still needs documentation before acquisition.
The sources establish the importance of crevices and rocks in its natural habitat. A quantified captive plan still needs documentation before acquisition.
Care parameters
CAPTIVE PARAMETERS
To be documented — Descriptions of the natural environment do not establish terrarium settings.
Humidity
To be documented — No sufficiently documented captive percentage is retained.
Heating and UVB
To be documented No setting inferred from its African origin alone.
Substrate and refuge
Rocky context [1] A field observation alone does not establish enclosure dimensions.
Feeding
FEEDING
Natural feeding
San Diego describes a plant diet, notably dry grasses, with other available plants. This account does not justify turning occasional fruit into a daily ration. [1]
Egg-laying
San Diego generally reports a single egg per clutch and several months of development. These are biological observations; no incubator temperature or guaranteed hatching date is proposed here. [1]
Traceability
Retain origin documents and the exact scientific name. Legal sections and detailed husbandry parameters must be checked separately before being presented as validated.
Checklist
- Verify the animal's identity and origin before acquisition.
- Prepare housing and check measurements before arrival.
- Keep contact details for a veterinarian familiar with this group.
Observations to record
- Meals offered and actually consumed
- Weight, size and body changes
- Environmental measurements and maintenance
- Behaviours, observations and dated events
The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.
Sources
Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — Pancake Tortoise
Source accessed - Chester Zoo — Pancake tortoise
Source accessed