News & Events

Species Spotlight: Flat-tailed Tortoise

Meet the grumpy-faced Flat-tailed Tortoise!

This critically endangered tortoise is native to Madagascar. It features a long, slightly-domed carapace with black and gold patterns, and, of course, its flattened tail. Staying small, it only reaches 5-6 inches in length. In Madagascar, it is known as Kapidolo. This little tortoise bears similarities to a fellow Malagasy native, the Spider Tortoise. Both are in the genus Pyxis but actually reside in different, isolated habitats. Due to the Flat-tailed Tortoise’s captivating shell patterns and small size, it is targeted for poaching for the pet trade.

We work to protect this species through confiscations of illegal poaching, treatment and rehabilitation, captive breeding, community outreach and awareness in Madagascar, and establishing the in-range rescue facility and breeding colony in Kirindy Private Reserve.

Show your support for critically endangered turtles like the Flat-tailed Tortoise by celebrating Turtle Month with us! You can learn more about our Madagascar program and ways to support us here.

• Pictured: Flat-tailed Tortoise (Pyxis planicauda)
• Countries of Origin: Madagascar
• Habitat: Closed-canopy deciduous dry forest
• Wild Population: Declining; less than 10,000
• IUCN Red List Status:  Critically Endangered
• Threats: Habitat loss; human-induced brush fires; poaching for the pet trade

Header image by Viktor Mislan.