"52 endangered turtles were found trapped in a 20 ft-long poacher's net in Keetham Lake, located in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra. 42 turtles were found dead and rest 10 were in grave condition when rescued," Wildlife SOS said.
It said a local man was passing by the lake when he noticed a net sprawled out on the banks and immediately alerted the Forest Department authorities, which in turn contacted Wildlife SOS.
The team identified four different species of turtles- the Spotted Black Turtle, Indian Soft shell Turtle, Indian Flap Shell Turtle and Indian Tent Turtle, all of which are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
The rescued turtles were kept under observation and later released back into Keetham Lake in the presence of the forest department officials, it said.
"Turtles are mainly poached for their meat and their shells are believed to have traditional healing and medicinal properties," said Baiju Raj Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS.