Care Recommendations for the Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

The pancake turtle (Malacochersus tornieri) is a distinctive species of turtle native to Kenya and Tanzania. Its unusually flat shell allows it to hide in narrow rock crevices - a feature that gives it its common name. This unique adaptation to its environment makes it a fascinating subject for reptile enthusiasts and scientists alike. Specialist knowledge is required to keep this turtle, as it requires specific environmental conditions. These include replicating rock crevices in the terrarium, maintaining the correct temperature and humidity levels, and providing an appropriate diet that matches its natural food sources. In addition, the pancake turtle is protected under conservation laws, so legal requirements must be observed when keeping or trading this species. A thorough knowledge of their needs is essential for the proper care and welfare of this fascinating species of tortoise.

General Information

  • Common Name: Pancake Tortoise
  • Scientific Name: Malacochersus tornieri
  • Distribution: Kenya, Tanzania

Basic Guidelines for Terrarium Keeping

Size of the Animals1-2 AnimalsEach Additional Animal
Up to 10 cmAt least 1.2 m²+0.3 m²
10-17 cmAt least 1.5 m²+0.5 m²

Note: The pancake tortoise can reach a shell length of up to 17 cm. Larger terrariums provide the animals with more space to move and promote their natural behavior.

Indoor Terrarium

  • Setup:
    • Rock Crevices: Replicate natural rock crevices with securely stacked flat stones or artificial rock formations.
    • Hiding Places: Provide multiple hiding spots to meet the animals' need for retreat.
    • Water Dish: Offer a shallow water dish.
    • Security: The terrarium must be escape-proof, as pancake tortoises are good climbers and can even move sliding doors.

Substrate

  • Recommendation: A sandy-loamy substrate with scattered flat stones that serve as basking spots.
  • Note: A deep substrate of 15 cm is not strictly necessary, as the pancake tortoise does not dig but prefers rock crevices as hiding spots. However, I recommend including at least 15 cm of substrate along with a mound, to provide females with the opportunity to lay eggs. It is also important to note that females may lay infertile eggs as well.

Temperature and Climate

  • Daytime Temperature:
    • Rainy Season: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
    • Dry Season: 28-35°C (82-95°F)
  • Local Basking Spot: 35-40°C (95-104°F)
  • Night Temperature: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
  • Humidity:
    • Dry Season: 30-40%
    • Rainy Season: 50-60%
  • Note: High humidity should be avoided, as the pancake tortoise prefers dry habitats.

Lighting

  • Duration of Lighting: 10-12 hours daily.
  • UV Irradiation:
    • Recommendation: Use high-quality UV-B lamps such as HID lamps (e.g., metal halide lamps) or special UV-MH spotlights.
    • Important: Replace lamps regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure adequate UV-B provision.
    • Note: As of 2024, LED-UVB lamps are not suitable because they cannot effectively replicate the UV-B spectrum of the sun. UV tubes often do not provide sufficient UV-B radiation for reptiles with high UV-B needs. Therefore, LED-UVB lamps and UV tubes should not be used for keeping pancake tortoises.

Diet

  • Main Diet:
  • Supplementary Food:
    • Dried Herbs: As a supplement during the cold season.
    • Salads: In moderation, such as Romaine lettuce or lamb's lettuce, if suitable wild herbs are not available.
  • Note: The diet should be high in fiber and calcium. Protein-rich foods like cat food or dairy products are unsuitable and harmful. Outdated recommendations that include such foods should be ignored and not disseminated.

Outdoor Keeping

  • Note: Due to climatic differences, outdoor keeping in our latitudes is only possible to a limited extent.
  • Recommendation: If at all, only on warm, dry summer days under supervision and in a securely enclosed area.

Additional Notes

  • Conservation Status: The pancake tortoise is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Keeping and trading are subject to legal regulations and must be registered with the appropriate authorities.
  • Health: Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the animals' health.
  • Adaptation to the Environment: Pancake tortoises are creatures of habit and sensitive to changes in their environment. A stable setup is therefore essential.
  • Intelligence of the Animals: These tortoises are intelligent and have a good memory. An enriching environment promotes their well-being and natural behavior.