𝟏𝟎-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚, 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐚-𝐍𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢, 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: In a historic conservation move, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), led by Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, PhD, EBS, today launched the National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan for the Pancake Tortoise (2025-2035) at Ciakariga Subcounty. The event, attended by KWS Board of Trustees member Hon. Chachu Ganya, marks Kenya's bold commitment to saving one of its most extraordinary – and imperiled – species.

  

The Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri), locally known as Kobe Kama Chapati or Kobe Mawe, is a biological marvel with its flat, flexible shell and unusual rock-climbing agility. Yet these remarkable adaptations have made it a prime target for illegal pet trade, while habitat loss and **environmental degradation silently push it toward extinction.

 

"This Action Plan isn't just about saving a tortoise,*" said Prof. Kanga. "It's about protecting a living emblem of Kenya's natural heritage – a species that defies nature's norms yet now depends on our protection. With females laying just one egg per year, every loss brings this species closer to vanishing forever." 

 

Developed by KWS in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and international experts, the 10-year plan outlines practical, science-backed strategies, including: 

 

- Habitat restoration & protection

- Enhanced anti-poaching enforcement

- Community-led conservation initiatives

- Scientific monitoring & research

- Sustainable land-use partnerships  

Hon. Chachu Ganya  emphasized the broad coalition behind the plan, acknowledging Turtle Survival Alliance, Re:wild, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Turtle Conservation Fund (all facilitated through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy), as well as the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group  for their technical expertise.  

With 95% of pancake tortoises living outside protected areas – primarily in Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, Embu, Meru, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Marsabit, and Tana River counties – community involvement is critical.

  

"This is a test of our commitment to biodiversity,' said Hon. Chachu."Not just for conservationists, but for every Kenyan. The survival of this species depends on all of us – landowners, communities, and citizens – to report crimes, protect habitats, and ensure these tortoises thrive.' 

 

Aligned with the KWS 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and Section 49 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, the blueprint reinforces Kenya’s globally recognized Wildlife Protected Area and Community Conservancy Model

"This is our battle cry," Hon. Chachu declared*. "Let this be the Decade of the Pancake Tortoise – a time of recovery, hope, and partnership. Together, we will prove that Kenya’s conservation model works."

May 17, 2025