Exponential Rise in Peafowl Population in Tamil Nadu

Exponential Rise in Peafowl Population in Tamil Nadu

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

• Recent research by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, has revealed a significant increase in the peafowl population in Tamil Nadu. This growth has raised concerns among farmers due to increased crop damage and prompted discussions on conservation strategies and wildlife management.

About Indian Peafowl:

• The Indian Peafowl is designated as the national bird of India, symbolizing beauty and grace.
• It is one of the most rapidly increasing bird species in India, with a noticeable rise in both range and population density.
• In the last 20 years, Indian Peafowls have expanded into previously unoccupied regions such as the high Himalayas and the rainforests of the Western Ghats.
• Peafowls are now found in every district of Kerala, a state where they were once extremely rare.
• Traditionally found in scrub forests and dry habitats, Indian Peafowls have adapted to urban and semi-urban environments.
• Increasing peafowl populations have led to frequent crop damage, impacting farmers in states like Tamil Nadu.
• Sorghum, vegetables, paddy, and flowers are particularly vulnerable to peafowl attacks, with damage reported almost daily in some regions.
• The main causes of peafowl deaths include pesticide poisoning, electrocution, and vehicular accidents.
• Listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, the Indian Peafowl enjoys the highest degree of protection.
• The peafowl’s diet includes snakes and seeds, and its population surge may affect the balance of local ecosystems.
• A decrease in natural predators like jackals and jungle cats has been linked to the increase in peafowl numbers.
• The peafowl holds religious and cultural importance in India, particularly as the vehicle of Lord Muruga in Hindu mythology.
• eBird Data Trends: According to the Nature Conservation Foundation, peafowl sightings in Tamil Nadu have increased six-fold over the past 20 years, while they have doubled across India during the same period.

About Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON):

• SACON was established in 1990 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
• The centre is named after Dr. Salim Ali, the “Birdman of India.”
• SACON specializes in ornithology (the study of birds) and biodiversity conservation.
• It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
• SACON conducts research on bird ecology, wetland conservation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
• Plays a key role in monitoring avian diversity and bird habitats in India.
• SACON publishes scientific papers, research reports, and policy recommendations on avian and ecological conservation.