The Department of Conservation has a new nationwide emergency telephone number to report injured wildlife, marine mammal strandings or offences such as illegal fishing in marine reserves.
Last year the conservation emergency network logged 4000 calls. The new number is 0800 DOC HOTline or 0800 362 468.
Department senior technical support officer
Wayne Hutchinson said the new number reduced duplication and was more cost-effective.
"Having a single national 0800 service with operator back-up removes the possibility that calls will go unanswered if the conservancy emergency cellphone battery goes flat or unanswered for some reason," he said.
He said 0800 362 468 was for conservation emergencies only and that 111 should be used for police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue calls.
Another number, 0800 999 005, would still be used for reporting hazards involving bridges, huts and tracks on public conservation land.
