Investigating the impact of illegal trade on antimicrobial resistance occurrence in endangered tortoises in Madagascar

Sorry for the delay, and thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message, it truly means a lot to our team. Your support and encouragement are deeply appreciated. One of the most exciting parts of this project has been witnessing the dedication and commitment of our team members during the repatriation efforts of trafficked tortoises in Madagascar. Seeing these critically endangered animals being rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to their natural habitats has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters and how collaboration across disciplines and institutions can lead to real, tangible impacts. However, we are also facing significant challenges, especially with the laboratory component of the project. Conducting detailed microbiological and genetic analyses to investigate antimicrobial resistance in these tortoises requires specific equipment and consumables that are not always accessible locally. In many cases, we need to rely on partnerships with external labs, which adds logistical and financial burdens to an already resource-limited setting. On top of that, securing consistent funding has been difficult. Our project falls at the intersection of wildlife conservation, illegal trade, and public health, a space that doesn’t always align neatly with conventional funding streams. Despite the urgency and relevance of the topic, we often find ourselves struggling to obtain the financial support needed to scale up and sustain our work. Nonetheless, we remain committed and hopeful. Knowing there are people like you who believe in the importance of this work gives us strength and motivation to keep going. Thank you again for your support, it truly means the world to us. I would also love to hear more from you, what aspect of the project resonated with you the most or sparked your curiosity? We are always excited to exchange ideas and perspectives.