Four kererū were found shot dead at Lake Mangamahoe

Four native wood pigeons, or kererū, have been found shot dead at the Lake Mangamahoe Wildlife Sanctuary, near New Plymouth.

The birds found by a member of the public on October 10.

Kererū are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953 and anybody who hunts or kills protected wildlife without lawful authority is liable to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

DOC ranger Wayne Beggs said an owner of a neighbouring property reported hearing gunshots in the area.

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"The birds were found near a picnic table beside the reserve's main access road, about 1.5km from the main entrance," he said.

"The birds have been x-rayed and bullet fragments found indicate the weapon used was either a high-powered slug gun or a small calibre rifle."

DOC was trying to identify the culprits, he said.

"We are interested in hearing about any suspicious activity around the area in the days leading up to October 9."

DOC rangers have been making enquiries in the area and are seeking information from the public.

People can contact the Department's New Plymouth Office and all reports will be treated as confidential.

Suspicious or illegal activity can also be reported confidentially to DOC's 24-hour hotline 0800 DOC HOT.