Kenya plans to save the rare Pancake Tortoise with a new ten-year program starting in 2025. Officials will launch this plan on May 16 during World Endangered Species Day celebrations. Nine county governors will join wildlife experts at the event in Tharaka-Nithi County. The Pancake Tortoise has a flat, flexible shell that helps it hide in rock cracks. Kenya holds over 80 percent of these critically endangered reptiles.
The tortoises face danger from pet collectors, habitat loss, and climate change effects. Most of these animals live outside protected parks on community land. Local people will become "tortoise guardians" to protect them in their areas. The program aims to restore habitats, stop illegal trade, and create tourism jobs. County leaders will sign an agreement to work together on saving these unique animals.
The tortoises face danger from pet collectors, habitat loss, and climate change effects. Most of these animals live outside protected parks on community land. Local people will become "tortoise guardians" to protect them in their areas. The program aims to restore habitats, stop illegal trade, and create tourism jobs. County leaders will sign an agreement to work together on saving these unique animals.
