Our proposed initiative provides a well-informed, sustainable, feasible and impactful approach to reducing illegal trade in tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFT) in malaysia

Malaysia stands as a pivotal hub in the global trade of TFT, serving as a source, transit point, and consumer market for both legally and illegally traded species, including native and non-native species many of which are highly threatened. There are 18 species of TFT native to malaysia, 13 of which are considered priority species due to their high extinction risk (as listed in table 1. Of the nofo). The TFT pet trade poses a significant risk to the survival of native and non-native species. Drawing on social science and criminological theory, this project examines the illegal TFT trade for pets in malaysia. The goal of the project is to consider the human dimension and map potential guardians along the trade chain and within the regulatory landscape that can either passively or actively prevent illegal trade through their presence or actions. By mapping the TFT supply chain and identifying potential guardians, including formal guardians such as law enforcement and informal guardians such as community members, this project aims to develop strategies to enhance their capabilities in combatting illegal wildlife trade. The project will prioritize capacitybuilding activities with potential guardians based on urgency, feasibility, and potential impact, ultimately aiming to create a replicable template for mapping guardianship along wildlife trade chains, with the goal of maximizing resource allocation for crime prevention efforts. By emphasizing the role of guardianship in crime prevention, this project aims to move thinking about behavior change beyond consumers and offenders. Based on a holistic conservation approach that integrates insights from multiple disciples, IT will identify points of intervention where resources could be most effectively utilized to support guardianship capability across stakeholders and interest groups and reduce opportunities for illegal trade. This project will make an important long-term and sustainable impact on the illegal TFT trade in malaysia, and globally.