Now, feral dogs target peacocks in Raj villages
JODHPUR: After poachers, feral dogs are targeting peacocks – the country’s national bird – in the district. At least 545 peacocks, attacked by feral dogs, were brought to the district’s rescue centre in the past seven years.
Expressing their concern on the issue, bird experts said the number could be higher than reported. Only 10 per cent of injured peacocks were brought to the rescue centre, they argued.
Besides, several cases of peacocks’ death due to spray of pesticides during sowing of Rabi and Kharif crops were reported in the district.
The Rajasthan high court, hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on July 18, sought a report from authorities on the causes of peacocks’ death.
Hem Singh Gehlot, assistant professor of zoology department in Jainarayan Vyas University, said feral dogs have become an alarming threat to the lives of several wildlife species and their attacks on chinkara and migratory birds have risen.
According to data from the rescue centre, 821 peacocks were brought for treatment from 2009 to 2015 and 545 of them were attacked by feral dogs.
The experts said feral dogs make peacocks an easy prey when a male peacock dances to woo a female peacock during monsoon or after monsoon.
The male peacock is either killed or sustains injuries in the attack as it fails to get enough time to recollect its feathers.