Who shot and killed a sea lion last month remains a mystery.
The New Zealand sea lion was found at Fortrose, on the south coast, and reported to the Department of Conservation on January 5.
Doc conservation services manager Ros Cole, of Invercargill, said the animal appeared to have been killed by a bullet from a low calibre rifle.
She believed the sea lion may have been shot elsewhere and died on the beach.
"There was a chance it was still alive after being shot.
"These things are as critically endangered as the kakapo ... and any death is a death too many.''
It was illegal to harass or harm sea lions, as they were a protected species.
The sea lion was not one born on the New Zealand mainland.
People should avoid disturbing them, Ms Cole said.
"Respect and share their space on the coast.''
Sea lions could be aggressive, but that was no reason to harm them.
