The shell is unusually flat and flexible, with a thin covering of horny scutes. This soft, pliable shape allows the tortoise to wedge itself into narrow rock crevices for safety.25
Pancake tortoises are generally shy and secretive, spending most of their time hidden in rock crevices. They are not aggressive but males may fight if only one female is present. They are most active in the morning and early evening.164
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity; they bask and forage for only an hour or two each day. Provide a secure hiding place and a warm basking spot. They do not hibernate.46
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming; keep the enclosure clean and provide a shallow water dish. Occasional misting of the hide area helps mimic natural crevice humidity.6
Home where they are happiest
A dry, warm vivarium with a high daytime temperature (around 30°C) and a cooler area. Provide rock crevices or artificial hides. They are native to rocky kopjes in arid savannah and do not tolerate cold or damp conditions. Note: This species is protected under CITES and may be illegal to keep without permits in some countries; always check local laws.162
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Herbivorous: dry grasses, succulents, fallen fruit, and other vegetation. In captivity, offer a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruit. They obtain most water from food.16
Company who they like around
Generally solitary but can be kept in pairs or small groups if space allows. Males may fight over females, so separate sexes if aggression occurs. They are not venomous, but collection for the pet trade is a major threat to wild populations; captive breeding is encouraged.162
The story where it all began
The pancake tortoise has been popular in the exotic pet trade for decades because of its unusual flat shell and small size. This demand has led to heavy exploitation in Kenya and Tanzania, where it is now protected under CITES Appendix II. Its specialised habitat of rocky kopjes and low reproductive rate (usually one egg per year) make it vulnerable to over-collection. Conservationists recommend captive breeding and strict regulation of trade.12
Recognised by the official bits
CITES
Listed on Appendix II; a proposal to uplist to Appendix I has been recommended due to overexploitation for the pet trade2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pancake Tortoise. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Spot cleanevery day
SoakA shallow lukewarm soakevery week
UVB bulb changeFollow the bulb maker's adviceevery 6 months
Outdoor time summerSupervised sunshine on warm daysevery day
Weigh inevery month
Full cleanevery month
Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Dandelion and clover are safe, nutritious weeds that tortoises love. Dandelion provides calcium and vitamins, while clover adds variety. Feed only young, fresh leaves and as part of a wider diet.
You need
A handful of fresh dandelion leaves and flowers
A handful of fresh clover leaves and flowers (young, undamaged)
How
Wash the dandelion and clover thoroughly under cool running water to remove any soil or insects.
Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Mix the leaves and flowers together in a clean bowl.
Offer a small portion to your tortoise as a treat, ensuring the rest of the meal is varied.
How much: A small handful per tortoise, no more than once or twice a week as part of a varied diet.
Hibiscus flowers are a safe, colourful treat that many tortoises enjoy. They are low in oxalates and provide a source of hydration and natural sugars. Feed sparingly.
You need
1-2 fresh hibiscus flowers (washed)
How
Pick or purchase fresh hibiscus flowers that have not been treated with pesticides.
Rinse the flowers gently under cool water to remove any dirt or insects.
Offer the whole flower to your tortoise, or tear it into smaller pieces if needed.
How much: One or two flowers per tortoise, no more than once a week.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pancake Tortoise?
Offer fresh leafy greens and vegetables daily, as suggested by Furry Diary's starting plan. They get most of their water from food, so a varied diet is key. Avoid overfeeding to keep them healthy.16Furry Diary plan
What does a Pancake Tortoise eat, and what should it never eat?
They enjoy leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruit. As herbivores, they should never eat animal protein or toxic plants. For a precise list of safe and unsafe foods, ask your exotic-pet vet.16
How much space does a Pancake Tortoise need?
Space requirements vary based on the number of tortoises and their size. It's best to consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for enclosure dimensions that suit your setup.
What temperature, light or water does a Pancake Tortoise need?
Keep the vivarium warm with a daytime temperature around 30°C and a cooler area. Provide a shallow water dish and a basking spot with UVB light, changing the bulb every 6 months as per Furry Diary's plan. A weekly shallow soak also helps.16Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Pancake Tortoise's home?
Spot clean daily and do a full enclosure clean once a month, following Furry Diary's care plan. Keeping the habitat tidy prevents health issues.6Furry Diary plan
Can a Pancake Tortoise live with others?
They are generally solitary but can be kept in pairs or small groups if space allows. Watch for male aggression over females and separate sexes if needed.162
How long does a Pancake Tortoise live?
With proper care, they can live 25 to 30 years, so be ready for a long-term companion.12
Can I handle a Pancake Tortoise?
They are shy and secretive, so handle them gently and only for necessary care like soaking or weighing. Minimize stress to keep them comfortable.164Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
nationalzoo.si.edu: african pancake tortoisenationalzoo.si.eduused for origin, length cm, lifespan years, colours, best traits, temperament, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
Leopard Tortoise
Hermann's Tortoise
Russian Tortoise