Kenya has launched an ambitious 10-year National Pancake Tortoise Recovery Plan (2025–2035) aimed at preventing the extinction of the pancake tortoise, a unique species with fewer than 10,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The initiative was unveiled on World Endangered Species Day, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and positioning the country as a leader in protecting vulnerable wildlife.
The pancake tortoise, affectionately known locally as kobe kama chapati due to its unusually flat and flexible shell, is a remarkable reptile adapted to living in rock crevices. Despite this specialized habitat, the species remains highly vulnerable, particularly to illegal wildlife trafficking, which has contributed significantly to its declining population. The tortoise’s slow reproductive rate laying just one egg annually adds urgency to conservation efforts, as each individual is vital to the species’ survival.
More than 95 percent of the pancake tortoise population is concentrated in several Kenyan counties, including Kitui, Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Tana River. Small populations also exist beyond Kenya’s borders in Tanzania and Zambia. This geographic concentration makes habitat protection in these regions critical for the species’ recovery.
The 10-year plan was developed through extensive research conducted over two decades by wildlife experts, government agencies, and conservation partners. It encompasses a comprehensive approach to conservation that combines habitat protection, scientific monitoring, community engagement, anti-trafficking enforcement, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Habitat protection is a cornerstone of the strategy, aiming to secure and restore natural environments that support the pancake tortoise. Continuous scientific monitoring will track population trends and reproductive patterns, helping to guide adaptive management strategies. The plan also emphasizes the empowerment of local communities, encouraging them to become custodians of the species through community-led conservation initiatives.
A significant part of the plan involves strengthening anti-trafficking efforts to combat illegal trade, which remains a major threat. This includes enforcing stricter wildlife laws and raising public awareness to reduce demand for the tortoise in the pet trade. To alleviate pressures that drive poaching, the plan promotes sustainable income alternatives for communities living near tortoise habitats.
The success of similar community-driven conservation efforts, such as leopard tortoise farming in Baringo County, serves as a hopeful model for the pancake tortoise recovery plan. These initiatives demonstrate that conservation can thrive when grounded in science, policy support, and active local participation.
Government officials and conservation leaders have expressed strong support for the plan. Local leaders see conservation as a long-term, generational responsibility. Some counties, like Marsabit, have committed to expanding protected areas to offer better refuge for the pancake tortoise and other endangered wildlife. Institutions like Tharaka University are playing a vital role by establishing conservation centers that not only protect wildlife but also promote research and environmental education.
The partnership behind this plan includes numerous conservation organizations and international experts who are providing both technical and financial support. This collective effort underscores the importance of collaboration across sectors to tackle biodiversity loss effectively.
The National Pancake Tortoise Recovery Plan is a call to action for all Kenyans to participate actively in safeguarding this unique species. Reporting sightings, rejecting illegal wildlife trade, and supporting conservation initiatives are ways the public can contribute to turning the tide for the pancake tortoise. The plan exemplifies how science, policy, and grassroots engagement can come together to protect endangered species and maintain ecological balance.
As Kenya moves forward with this ambitious program, the pancake tortoise stands as a symbol of resilience and hope. Its survival story highlights the potential for even the most specialized and vulnerable creatures to thrive when humanity commits to stewardship and coexistence with nature. This recovery effort reflects a broader vision for conservation that values biodiversity as a critical part of Kenya’s natural heritage and future.
