Kenya is poised to make global conservation history with the launch of a National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan (2025–2035) dedicated to saving the critically endangered Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), the world’s rarest tortoise species.
The high-profile event is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, coinciding with World Endangered Species Day, and will take place at Chiakariga Grounds in Tharaka-Nithi County.
The launch will be attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Museums of Kenya (NMK), international conservation organizations, local community leaders, and governors from the nine counties where the species is known to occur in the wild.
The Pancake Tortoise is unique in the animal kingdom due to its flat, flexible shell an evolutionary trait that allows it to wedge itself into tight rock crevices, known as kopjes, for protection.
Over 80% of the global population is found in Kenya, specifically within arid and semi-arid habitats in Kitui, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Tana River, Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia, and Marsabit counties.
However, the species faces an imminent risk of extinction, primarily due to illegal collection for the exotic pet trade, habitat destruction from mining and unsustainable farming, and the intensifying effects of climate change.
In a proactive move, KWS has spearheaded the development of a 10-year conservation plan after two years of collaborative consultations involving NMK, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Turtle Survival Alliance, and local communities.
“This species is not found in national parks or reserves over 95 percent of Pancake Tortoise populations live outside protected areas,” said Prof. Erustus Kanga, Director-General of KWS.
“Their future rests squarely in the hands of county governments and local communities. This plan empowers them to lead the charge.”
Securing and restoring critical kopje habitats across the tortoise’s range, Promoting community-led conservation and training local tortoise guardians, Strengthening law enforcement against wildlife trafficking, Supporting scientific research, including genetic mapping and population monitoring, Developing eco-tourism experiences to generate local income, Implementing climate adaptation measures for dryland ecosystems
As a highlight of the event, governors from all nine counties will be invited to sign a joint conservation pact, committing to designate local tortoise sanctuaries, allocate funding for awareness, and establish wildlife monitoring units.
The launch ceremony will feature a public unveiling of the Action Plan, live sightings of Pancake Tortoises in their natural habitat, cultural performances by the Tharaka community, and expert commentary from leading herpetologists and conservationists.
Additional attractions include educational exhibitions, distribution of species fact sheets and population maps, and media briefings on the broader impact of this conservation milestone.
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