Kereru¯ destined for pot

The bodies of two protected kereru¯ , believed to have been harvested for eating, have been found near a campground on the West Coast.

A person found the dead native pigeon on August 3 while staying at a campground at Lake Brunner near Greymouth.

Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger Darryl Haworth said the birds had been cut open and had their breast meat removed.

‘‘DOC is looking for information that will lead to the arrest of people responsible for killing the birds and is interested in hearing about any suspicious activity around the area in the days leading up to the third of August, which was when the birds were found,’’ he said.

Although kereru¯ was traditionally hunted for its meat and feathers, hunting of the bird was now illegal and it was protected under the Wildlife Act 1953.

Also known as the New Zealand pigeon, it can measure up to 51 centimetres from tail to beak and weigh about 650 grams.

The kereru¯ is one two species of native pigeon in New Zealand, alongside the Chatham Islands pigeon or parea.

Predators are the most serious threat to kereru¯ .

Rats, stoats, cats and possums eat their eggs and young, while stoats and cats attack and kill adult birds.

Anyone who hunts or kills protected wildlife without lawful authority is liable to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

The birds were found the same day DOC announced a new national compliance strategy, which places greater emphasis on enforcing laws designed to protect New Zealand’s unique wildlife and special places.

Suspicious or illegal activity can be reported to DOC’s 24-hour hotline by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).