India, Aug. 6 -- New Delhi

A "transit camp" set up by the state forest and wildlife department at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is now witnessing a flurry of activity, recording its most successful turtle breeding season. A special pond developed at the site is now home to over four different species-both hard-shell and soft-shell-of 250 Indian turtles, including 20 freshly hatched ones, officials said.

Officials said that the transit camp was started in January 2022 to house trafficked, injured and rescued animals. The pond was created as part of this camp to provide a safe and natural habitat for turtles. The forest department said habitat enrichment over the past year has led to its most successful breeding season.

"Between 20...