Sea lion pup killed by vehicle on Dunedin road

A female New Zealand sea lion/pakake pup has been killed on a Dunedin road, about a week after a male pup was found dead in the Catlins.

• Sea lion pup killed by vehicle in Catlins

The five-month-old female pup was discovered on Hoopers Inlet Rd, on Otago Peninsula, on May 15.

Department of Conservation Coastal Otago Biodiversity Ranger Moss Thompson said the pup was found in a ditch beside the road, and displayed signs of blunt-force trauma.

“Given the location, the type of injury, and the presence of some car undercarriage on the road, we are confident this death was a result from a vehicle collision,” Moss said.

It comes after the five-month-old male pup was found on the side of Hinahina Rd near the Catlins Boating Club. This death was reported to Doc on May 7.

Moss said in the wake of the deaths Doc was imploring people to drive carefully on coastal roads and keep an eye out for pups as "they can be especially hard to see in reduced light or at night".

He said Hoopers Inlet was a well-known pakake hotspot, especially at this time of year when they used the location as a creche.

"To keep both pakake and motorists safer, the road is already heavily managed with temporary fencing, reduced speeds and signage indicating sea lions may be present.

"However, we can’t control the movement of pakake and drivers should still expect to encounter them on the road at any time."

He said the pup had been seen healthy just two days before the incident, alongside her mother, who was one of the oldest breeding females in the growing population.

“Otago is one of the only places where pakake are increasing in numbers, with the main populations in the New Zealand subantarctic facing serious declines. Everyone has a part to play in supporting this iconic taoka species’ return to the mainland. Keeping a cautious eye out when driving in coastal areas is something we can all do.”

Ōtākou Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou Chief Executive Nadia Wesley-Smith acknowledged with sadness the death of the pakake pup.

“We urge our community to take extra care around our coastline roads to protect these taoka.”

Thompson said Doc was calling for anyone with any information to come forward.

“Understanding these incidents is very important for the management of the species, and the areas used by both humans and sea lions.

“Unfortunately, accidents happen. However, if you accidentally, or incidentally, harm a sea lion, or other marine mammal, you are legally required to report it to NZ Police or the Department of Conservation. Not reporting an accident, is an offence under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 1978."

“If you hit, or think you hit a sea lion, please report it as soon as possible by calling 0800DOCHOT.”