A critically endangered bittern was shot near Ōpārau in May. Photo Colin O’Donnell, DOC
A critically endangered bittern was euthanised after being found wounded with banned lead shot on an Ōpārau property.
X-rays of the bird confirmed it had been shot through the right wing, fracturing it in several places. A lead pellet was embedded in the bird’s neck, causing lead poisoning.
Department of Conservation principal compliance officer Hayden Loper said Wildbase staff attempted to repair the bird’s wing through surgery, but the animal was euthanised to prevent further suffering.
DOC opted to publicise the incident after local investigations were unsuccessful.
“There are two really concerning aspects to this,” Hayden said. “Firstly, matuku-hūrepo are absolutely protected wildlife and it’s a breach of the Wildlife Act to harm or kill them.
“Secondly, whoever has shot this bird has used lead shot, which is banned in the vast majority of hunting and shooting circumstances.”
The incident near Ōpārau on Kāwhia Harbour was reported to DOC by a former staff member in late May.
The former DOC staffer was alerted to the bird’s plight when it was discovered on a neighbour’s property, and then taken by DOC to a local bird carer.
Initial veterinary triage was undertaken at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, before it was subsequently transferred to Massey University’s Wildbase facility, which specialises in native bird care.
Matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern) are a significant bird to mana whenua, appearing in various legends and stories.
They are also among New Zealand’s rarest birds, with a population of less than 1000 and classified as “threatened – nationally critical”, meaning they are at risk of extinction without protection.
The shooting also reinforced the need for all hunters and shooters to clearly identify their target – in any and all circumstances, Hayden said.
Anyone with information on the shooting of this bird is urged to call 0800 DOC HOT, or email wildlifecrime@doc.
govt.nz
