In Madagascar, over 8,000 Radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) were snatched from the wild and imprisoned in a derelict house before being rescued this past April. Unfortunately, some did not survive despite the best efforts of international wildlife groups, including the Turtle Conservancy, which sent a team to assist in the rescue. Even worse, an additional 7,000 Radiated Tortoises were confiscated this month, as law enforcement has deteriorated surrounding the ongoing presidential elections in Madagascar now. Closer to home, the Turtle Conservancy took in over 100 confiscated turtles from local agencies and the US Fish & Wildlife Service this past year. These poor animals had been destined for the Asian pet trade or worse. Some did not survive their capture by the poachers. The various species confiscated are native to the eastern U.S., so the survivors were transferred to the care of one of our board members in New Jersey, where they should feel right at home.