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Conservationists at Lewa Conservancy were excited to discover seven pancake tortoises in 2019 during their first attempt to assess the presence of the critically endangered species. Since then, thanks to the incredible work across the Lewa-Borana landscape, Leparua, IL Ngwesi, and Lekurruki Conservancies, as well as Leparua community areas, the number has greatly increased to 152 pancake tortoises reported thus far. The pancake tortoise has a distinct morphology, unlike other species with a very thin, flat, flexible, and perforated shell, making them lightweight and deft. This allows the tiny tortoises to flee danger while their counterparts retreat into their shell.