DOC shocked five kea shot dead

Department of Conservation is investigating the shooting deaths of five kea dumped near Arthur's Pass. Photo / supplied

Five kea dumped near Arthur's Pass had been shot, the Department of Conservation says.

An initial pathology report from Massey University said evidence pointed to the use of an air-rifle and a shotgun to kill the five kea.

The birds were found piled up on a picnic table at Klondyke Corner in Arthur's Pass on Monday morning last week.

DOC field centre supervisor, Chris Stewart, was appalled by the incident and have referred the matter to the police.

"Kea are endangered and their wild population could be as low as 1000 birds," Mr Stewart said.

"The results also showed that all five animals were young and healthy and could have gone on to contribute to future generations of the species."

The full report will not be available until later this week but the initial results will assist the police and DOC with their ongoing investigation.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is a criminal offence to kill kea. Offenders could face a $100,000 fine or six months in prison.

The incident occurred in the same week that a dead kea was dumped on the driveway of a DOC staff member on the West Coast. Early indications are that the bird was also shot and this case has been referred to the police.

Anyone who was in the area around Klondyke Corner over the weekend of August 6 and 7 are asked to ring the police, the 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 36 24 68) or the Arthur's Pass Field Centre.