REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 83
We’re off to Africa today to meet a breakfast tortoise! Hahaha- ok they won’t be making us breakfast and we’ll not be eating with them but they are quiet flat! Flat you say? Flat! Come meet…
MEET THE PANCAKE TORTOISE!
Range/Habitat: E Africa (Tanzania/Kenya)/rocky outcrops and savannas
Diet: Herbivore: grasses, leaves, fruit
Length/Weight: 5 ½”-7”/ 1 lb
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Fun Facts:
- Pancake Tortoises have flat carapaces (top shell) that are flexible. This is a very unusual adaptation.
- Pancake tortoises can squeeze into narrow crevices. This helps protect them from predators.
- They don’t move to far from their shelter.
- Pancake tortoises are actually quick and agile climbers.
- They live in small colonies and share their shelters.
- They can live up to 25 years old.
- Pancake tortoises are crepuscular (most active at dusk and dawn).
Pancake tortoises are really neat little tortoises with their flat shells and ability to climb. And they have pancake in their name and who doesn’t love pancakes!
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 
Big fancy word crepuscular! Like it – he’s a cute little guy and as you say, who doesn’t like pancake!