Ecology and Exploitation
of the Pancake Tortoise in Tanzania
|
DON MOLL1 and MICHAEL W. KLEMENS 2
1 Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65804, USA
e-mail: dlm505f@mail.smsu.edu
2 Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th St. and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
e-mail: mklemens.wcs@mcimail.com
e-mail: dlm505f@mail.smsu.edu
2 Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th St. and Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
e-mail: mklemens.wcs@mcimail.com
ABSTRACT: The pancake tortoise, Malacochersus tornieri, is an unusual crevice-dwelling species endemic to small, rocky outcrops scattered through the Somalia-Masai floristic region of Kenya and Tanzania. Its flattened morphology and lizard-like behavior heighten its appeal in the international pet trade, which, until a recent temporary ban stopped export, was solely supplied by Tanzania. Surveys were conducted in June and July 1992 to gather basic information concerning the ecology, status, and patterns and effects of exploitation of this tortoise in northern and central Tanzania. This paper focuses on this species’ habitat requirements and the comparison of population characteristics and habitat utilization in both exploited and unexploited sites. |
