The Tortoise That Moves Like a Pancake

Unlike most tortoises with heavy, dome-shaped shells, this creature has a flat and flexible body. It survives by wedging itself deep into narrow rock crevices to escape predators.

The pancake tortoise evolved a remarkably thin shell that is slightly flexible rather than rigid like its relatives. When a predator approaches, the tortoise scuttles into a tight rock crack and puffs itself up with air, anchoring firmly in place. This makes it almost impossible for hungry animals to pull them out. Because they lack the heavy armor of other species, they are also surprisingly agile and fast runners.