A decapitated dolphin has been found on a Coromandel beach, prompting a call for information.
Department of Conservation principal investigation officer Hayden Loper said the dead animal was found on a Pauanui beach on Monday, September 7.
"Although the animal had begun to decompose, initial assessment suggests the animal’s head has been removed with some sort of tool or implement," a DOC spokesperson said.
"It’s thought the decapitation occurred before the animal washed up on the beach."
The department's marine scientists believed the animal could be a bottlenose dolphin – a vulnerable marine mammal protected by law.
They took a sample from the remains and sent it for genetic testing to confirm the species.
Loper urged anyone who saw what happened to the dolphin to come forward.
“Pauanui is a small but busy settlement with a popular beach, so we’re hopeful someone can provide us with information which may lead us to whoever is responsible.
"DOC staff are interested in information such as descriptions of people or vehicles/vessels, as well as times and locations of any behaviour potentially connected to the decapitation of the animal."
It is a crime to harass, disturb, injure or kill marine mammals in New Zealand. Those charged with doing so face up to two years' in prison or a fine of up to $250,000.
New Zealand's waters have an estimated population of between 1000 and 5000 bottlenose dolphins. They are spread across the north-east North Island, Fiordland, and northern South Island.
Their biggest threats are the adverse effects of tourism and boat strike. They are a focus of dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands and Fiordland areas.
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