Police have been called in to investigate the killing of a sea lion on the Otago Peninsula after one of the critically endangered species was found shot.
The one-year-old male was last seen alive with what looked like a fresh bullet wound on January 5 by a wildlife tour operator, but it swam off before Department of Conservation (DOC) staff could get a closer look.
Its remains have since been found near the Papanui Inlet, along with its identification tag and a .22 calibre bullet.
New Zealand sea lions are listed as a nationally critical threatened species, along with the kakapo and kiwi.
Police are now investigating the killing.
"It's extremely concerning that a critically endangered species could be targeted in this way on the Otago Peninsula, celebrated for its wildlife," DOC coastal ranger Jim Fyfe told the Southland Times.
Southland and Otago are the only places sea lions can be seen on the mainland. There are around 100 animals on the Otago Peninsula, DOC says.
Marine mammals are protected and anyone killing or harming them can face up to six months in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Also, under the Animal Welfare Act, anyone wilfully mistreating an animal leading to its death or serious injury can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to $100,000.
NZN