Data from: Reproductive ecology of the critically endangered pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) in the wild

Reproduction of the pancake tortoise in the wild has remained poorly known
over the decades. This study fills the knowledge gap by investigating the
reproductive ecology of the species in its natural habitats in Kenya. Data
were collected using the time-constrained search-and-seize method,
group-level scan sampling, radio tracking, and camera-trapping. Our
observations revealed a total of 19 mating events that occurred between
December and April, predominantly during the rainy seasons. Mating
duration averaged 15.2±2.4 minutes. Male-male aggression was observed
during the mating season, with the dominant male keeping off all other
males and mating with the resident females. Nest preparation events
occurred between April and June. Nine nesting events were recorded, but in
only five of them was an egg deposited. The nests were dug in loose soil,
appeared almost circular, and measured 8.4±0.9 cm wide and 7.0±0.1 cm deep
(n=7). The average clutch size was one egg. The eggs were white,
hard-shelled, oval, and elongated measuring 4.4±0.4 cm long, 2.7±0.04 cm
wide and weighed 17±0.6 g (n=3). Incubation period lasted 177± 5.7 days
(n=2), and hatching coincided with the onset of the short rainy season in
November, aligned with the availability of abundant food for the
tortoises. The hatchlings were minimally wider than long, having an
average straight carapace length of 4.5±0.6 cm, an average width of
4.5±0.4 cm, and on average weighed 14.7±3.7g, (N=9). They remained near
the nest site for 4-5 days before relocating to tiny rock crevices away
from the adult tortoise crevices. Egg and hatchling predation was high,
with four of the total of six eggs, observed after they were laid, being
destroyed. Three juveniles, out of nine, were also eaten by predators.
These findings contribute useful information for the formulation of
effective conservation and management strategies for this critically
endangered species.