Tests on several endangered black-billed gulls that died near Roxburgh last month show some of the birds had broken necks believed to have been caused by humans.
Three weeks ago the Department of Conservation began investigating after 60 of the endangered native birds were found dead on Grovers Island in the Clutha River, a breeding colony site. Birds were sent to Massey University to determine the cause of death.
Department of Conservation community relations ranger Jacob Dexter said the gulls tested showed no sign of infectious disease or toxin, which could have caused their death but many had broken necks, which was the likely cause of death.
"It is clear these injuries were not caused by an animal predator as there are no puncture wounds or any surface injuries. It was most likely a deliberate act by people," Mr Dexter said.
Under the Wildlife Act it is an offence to kill protected species, punishable by imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000.
Since the incident was reported DOC staff had spoken to several people who saw sick or dying birds at the breeding site.
"We don't know if the people responsible for the killings did it out of maliciousness or to end the bird's suffering," Mr Dexter said.
However, to euthanise a suffering protected animal risked committing an offence under the Wildlife Act, he said.
"We urge people to report sick or dying birds as early as possible ... early reporting may mean that sick birds can be rehabilitated, or failing that, be euthanised humanely," he said.
DOC will continue to investigate the deaths.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
You only need to enter your comment once! Comments will appear once they have been moderated. This is so as to stop the would-be comedian who has been spamming the comments here with inane and often offensive remarks. You know who you are!