The Department of Conservation has been unable to substantiate claims a group of kea were shot in a forestry area near Nelson last week.
DoC has investigated reports that kea were killed but found no evidence. Photo: Wikicommons
A spokesperson said the department investigated the allegation, but searches of the site uncovered no dead kea.
The reports last week said up to 15 of the protected native parrots were shot at a forestry site in the Golden Downs area.
DoC said it did not plan to take the matter further, but thanked the forestry company, contractors and staff at the site for their cooperation in the investigation. It said it took seriously any allegation of harm to them.
Kea are classified as nationally endangered and are in decline with their numbers estimated to be fewer than 5000. They are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1953 and it is an offence to hunt or kill them.
The department also advised that if anyone had issues with kea at their property, they should contact their local DoC office or the Kea Conservation Trust which provided practical advice on managing keas.
