Protected birds shot dead: oystercatchers found on beach at Pouawa

Tōrea pango or oystercatcher. RNZ picture by Angus Dreaver

An air rifle has been used to shoot two protected birds found dead on the beach at Pouawa, prompting Department of Conservation staff to appeal to the public for information.

Some time between November 1 and November 3, an adult variable oystercatchers/tōrea pango was shot and killed by someone using an air rifle on or near Pouawa Beach, north of Gisborne.

The bird’s death was reported to DoC by a camper, who was walking on the beach when they found it. It was picked up by a DoC staff member and sent to Massey University for a post-mortem as there were no visible wounds on the bird.

Following an X-ray, two pellets from an air rifle were found to be the cause of death.

A second bird was picked up the following day, and although a post-mortem wasn’t undertaken, DoC staff believe it was shot and killed in the same interaction.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to hunt or kill any absolutely protected wildlife, with maximum penalties of two years imprisonment, fines up to $100,000, or both.

DoC biodiversity and compliance officer Zachary Penman said the actions were inexcusable.

“It’s hard to understand why someone would do this.

“Variable oystercatchers are a taonga species of Aotearoa, and usually live up to 30 years. They will often inhabit the same area of beach for their whole lives.

“Local campers in Pouawa see these birds every year and welcome their company. To them, and many in the community, it’s like losing a friend.”

• If anyone has any further information regarding this shooting, or any other information on crimes against wildlife, please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or contact the Gisborne DOC office and ask for the warranted officer on duty.