Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)

Pancake Tortoise Malacochersus tornieri
Name	Pancake Tortoise
Name Lat.	Malacochersus tornieri
Family	Tortoises
Family lat.	Testudinidae
Order	Turtles
Order lat.	Testudines
Origin	Southeast Africa
Habitat	Shrub savanna
Diet	Herbs, grass, succulents
Humidity	40-60 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Individual, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Dry terrarium
Life Span	30-40 years
Protection	CITES Appendix I; EU Annex A
Metric Units
Size	15-20 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Temperature Local	35-45 °C
Housing Size	120 x 50 x 50 cm
US Units
Size	6"-8"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Temperature Local	95-113 °F
Housing Size	50" x 20" x 20"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the slatted tortoises is in Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa. They inhabit dry thornbush savannahs and kopje rocks (inselbergs) up to 1,800 m above sea level. Good climbers, they usually stay near rock crevices into which they quickly retreat for protection. The toes of the front and hind legs are equipped with strong claws.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

floor space for 1-2 animals

3PL x 1,5PL (L x W)

The carapace length (PL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space has to be increased by10%, from the 5th animal on by 20%. A terrarium of e.g.120 x 50 x 50 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

They need a spacious terrarium with flat stacked stones (rock crevices) structured, a diggable 10-15 cm deep substrate, e.g. of sand-loam-gravel mixture as well as a small, easy to clean water basin for drinking and robust dry plants for decoration. In the case of group housing, separate roosts should be provided and suitable measures for visual separation should be implemented.

Temp. day: 24-28 °C

Temp. night: 18-22 °C

Temp. local: 35-45 °C

Humidity: 40-60

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 10-14 hrs, depending on the season. They need high light intensity and daily UV irradiation as well as sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

They feed almost exclusively vegetarian. The diet consists of a wide range of wild herbs (plantain, dandelion, etc.), dry grasses, hay and hay dressings, clover, succulents (e.g. aloe) and vegetables such as lamb's lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini and chicory, supplemented with commercial ready-made food for tortoises. Occasionally, small amounts of animal protein can be offered. Fruit should be fed sparingly and infrequently because of the fructose content. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins is important. For adult animals, one fast day per week is advisable. Drinking water must always be available. A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The slightly smaller males have a much thicker and longer tail than the larger females.

Mating and egg laying, up to 6 clutches, takes place in July and August. The female buries her eggs, usually only 1 egg per clutch, about 5 cm deep, in a sandy place. The incubation period is 100-180 days at about 27-30 °C. The life expectancy can be 30-40 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping. Subsequently, all arrivals and departures must be reported

Species protection: WA Appendix I; EU Appendix A. You will receive a CITES document with the purchase, which confirms that this animal is an offspring. Please keep the CITES document in a safe place!

In your pet store you can get more information.

Important

They can be kept well in a group, one male with 3-4 females. Males are incompatible with each other. Since their highly flattened, flexible carapace offers little protection from enemies, they usually stay hidden in crevices. Their short activity periods (15-20 minutes) are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

During the rainy season, humidity should be increased to 60-80% (spray several times a day). They do not hibernate

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species-specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF