Pancake tortoise
Malacocherus tornieri
Unlike other tortoises, the pancake tortoise has a thin and flat shell. It does not offer much protection, so the tortoise escapes from predators in rock crevices. Its hideaways are easy to find. The pancake tortoise is therefore under threat from illegal snaring to be sold as pets and smuggled abroad.
Conservation
This species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP.
The species is part of the CITES convention, which regulates the international trade of endangered or threatened animals and plants.
Hämärä house
EAZA Ex-situ Programme
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Lifespan
25–35 years
Scientific classification
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae