What kind of animal is a pancake tortoise? We will explain the characteristics, personality, ecology, habitat, and sales of small animals of amphibious reptiles. This tortoise lives in eastern Africa and is a member of the turtle family that is popular as a pet, but it is actually designated as an endangered species. It is suggested that it may become extinct in the future.
What is Pancake Turtle? Basic Stats
The pancake turtle is a turtle classified in the order Testudins, family Testudinidae, genus Malacochersus. It is a small turtle with a carapace length of only about 15 cm. Its scientific name is Malacochersus tornieri, and its English name is African pancake tortoise. There is a lot of information on the Internet, and it is also sold in stores and is updated regularly.
| Japanese（和名） | パンケーキガメ |
| English（英名） | African pancake tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Malacochersus tornieri |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Testudinidae、Malacochersus 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科、パンケーキガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 15～18cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5～1kg |
Habitat
Pancake turtles are found in parts of Africa, including Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The pancake turtle’s shell is flat, thin and soft like a pancake. That’s why it was named pancake. The flat and elastic shell makes it easier for it to hide in narrow gaps. Its limbs are sturdy and its claws are sharp and strong. The color of its dorsal shell is yellow or yellowish brown, and the color of its plastron is yellowish brown. Each shell has dark spots with radial spots around them. Pancake turtles live in savannas, forests and brush from lowlands to mountainous areas.
What is its personality like?
Pancake turtles are quite cautious turtles. They often hibernate in hiding places such as under rocks or in rock crevices, and when they sense danger, they quickly escape to their hiding places. They never stray far from their homes and are active in the early morning and at dusk.
What is their ecology like?
Pancake turtles are herbivorous and live by eating grass and other things. They breed oviparously, with males fighting over females. They mate year-round except during the dry season. They lay one egg at a time. The incubation period is 4-7 months, and they live for about 30 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Pancake turtles are small turtles, so most carnivores are natural enemies.
Is the pancake turtle an endangered species?
The pancake turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and international trade is restricted. Not only is its habitat decreasing due to recent development, but it is also overfished as a pet, which is a problem. If you want to keep it as a pet, it will cost you money as its price has risen sharply.
Can you keep a pancake turtle as a pet?
It is possible to keep a pancake turtle as a pet. The following items are necessary for keeping a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and how to keep them warm. There are many products available in shops, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required at the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are many types such as red clay, coconut shells, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at low prices during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by exposing themselves to strong ultraviolet rays throughout the day, producing vitamin D3 in their bodies that promotes calcium absorption. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place for them to escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Clean the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some komatsuna and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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