Hawksbill Sea Turtles Born in Captivity in Kish

Kish Island, June 7, 2016-The first group of Hawksbill Sea Turtles, which are seen as critically endangered sea turtles, have been born in captivity in the Persian Gulf Island of Kish.

According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Kish Free Zone Organization, the Hawksbill Sea Turtles emerged from eggs in Kish Protected Area on Thursday.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles lay eggs in Kish Island every year around mid-March. The baby turtles hatch eggs from mid-May to mid-August.

An 800-square meter protected area in the southern part of Kish Island has been designated as the nesting venue for Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

The protected area which has been fenced off in an effort to counter any possible threats is monitored by environment scholars on a regular 24-hour basis. Environment scholars have also attempted to eliminate other elements threatening the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles including flashlights, beach pollution, and hunting, ensuring sea turtles have a safe place to nest, feed and lay eggs.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles have been defined as critically endangered animals in the red lists of the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature), CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and CMS (Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.(

PR & Int'l Affairs Department- KFZO