Endangered gulls killed

Two men have been caught on motion detector cameras pointing air rifles at the site where six black billed gulls – the world’s most endangered gull – were found dead. One of the gulls was found with a BB bullet lodged in its chest. The dead birds were found at Sulphur Point in Rotorua, home to a breeding colony of the critically endangered species. Department of Conservation ranger Kevin Buttell said it was pure chance the men had been caught on film and he condemned the senseless killing. The dead gulls were found during a routine check on the colony in November last year, where Buttell had earlier set up the camera to monitor the colony. The men were armed with air rifles and one had a handgun in his pocket, identified as a CO2 powered BB gun. Police want to speak to the men who could face charges of animal cruelty and discharging of firearms.