Rare gulls found with broken necks

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Rare gulls found with broken necks

Tests found rare birds died from broken necks
CHE BAKER IN ALEXANDRA Last updated 05:00 12/03/201
Tests on several endangered black-billed gulls that died near Roxburgh last month show some of the birds had broken necks and were deliberately killed.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) began investigating three weeks ago 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.

DOC community relations ranger Jacob Dexter said the gulls tested showed no sign of infectious disease or toxin that could have caused their deaths, but many had broken necks.

"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," 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.

DOC staff have 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,"  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.

David Hallett ENDANGERED: Black billed gulls have also died in large numbers near Christchurch's estuary due to a botulism outbreak.


- © Fairfax NZ News
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