The red-billed gull / tarāpunga. Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
Almost 20 red-billed gulls have been found dead at Kaikōura's South Bay, from what is believed to be a dog attack.
Department of Conservation (DOC) South Marlborough senior biodiversity ranger Pat Crowe said a member of the public found the dead birds last Friday, with injuries that appeared to have been caused by one or more dogs.
He said the gulls were found in an area where dogs were required to be on a lead - and urged the public to ensure dogs were kept under control in coastal areas.
"It's extremely disheartening to see wildlife killed in such a needless and preventable way. We work hard to protect gulls and other nesting birds around Kaikōura Peninsula from pest animals so it's tough to see such a large number of birds killed by a domestic animal."
The native gulls - tarāpunga - are a taonga species for iwi Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
Both DOC and the iwi viewed the harming of the birds very seriously.
"Red-billed gulls are commonly seen in coastal areas, but their numbers nationally are declining at an alarming rate. The species currently has a conservation status of 'at-risk: declining'," Crowe said.
"Kaikōura Peninsula is a stronghold for the species with around 3000 pairs nesting there annually."
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the owner of a dog that seriously injures or kills protected wildlife can be imprisoned for up to three years and fined up to $20,000, or both, if convicted. The court can also order the dog or dogs involved to be destroyed.
DOC was asking anyone with information about the gull deaths to contact the DOC 24-hour number 0800 DOCHOT.