The Department of Conservation says it is unlikely it will ever know how a dolphin found decapitated on a Coromandel beach died.
DoC are investigating after the marine mammal was found on Pauanui Beach on September 7.
In a statement to SunLive, principal investigations officer Hayden Loper said no information had been received since DoC appealed for help.
“We’ve had no information from the public since we announced our investigation into this case last week,” Loper said.
“It is highly likely the dolphin was beach cast and already deceased when someone decided to remove the head, possibly for a souvenir.”
DoC believes the head was removed using a tool or implement.
“We can’t confirm what the cause of death was and will not be able to. The dolphin was already in a state of decay when it was found, so a necropsy was unlikely to give us any more information.”
DoC’s marine scientists believe it is a bottlenose, fully protected under the Marine Mammals Act 1978.
It is an offence to take or possess any part of a marine mammal without a DoC permit.
A tissue sample was sent for genetic testing to confirm the species.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DoC’s 0800 DOC HOT line.