The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has launched an investigation after a dead dugong was discovered in the Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park.
A local resident notified the QPWS after finding the animal’s dismembered carcass on the beach.
In a statement, the QPWS said it was thought the dugong, a protected species, had been killed the night before and dismembered on site.
“Compliance rangers are now investigating as it is an offence to take a protected species,” the Service said.
“Several dismembered sharks were also located.”
The discovery outraged a local conservationist, who said the “horrible” behaviour was unheard of in the Townsville region.
Simon Cheers, from the North Queensland Conservation Council, said dugongs desperately needed protection.
“We really need to look after these species. Dugongs play an extremely important role in the ecology of our costal environments,” Mr Cheers said.
“We need to ensure that they stay persistent in the environment for many years to come.”
He said he believed it was widely understood that dugongs were protected.
“I think people are aware in Queensland about the limited number of dugongs and how the population has decreased over the last 50 or so years,” Mr Cheers said.
“If it proves to be the case that these dugongs and sharks have actually been attacked by a human, it’s incredibly disappointing. These animals have just as much right to be alive as we do.”
