29 peacocks die after consuming poisonous foodgrains in Nagaur

JAIPUR: Peacock deaths are continuing unabated in Rajasthan. A total of 29 peacocks have died — carcasses of 26 peacocks were found in Mithdiya village of Nagaur district, while three others died after being rescued — till Tuesday. According to officials, the birds’ death was reported after consuming suspected poisonous food grains. Out of the total carcasses, 16 were male and 13 female.
Mulkesh Salwan, a forester, said, “An FIR has been registered against unidentified people. On Monday, we recovered 26 carcasses and rescued eight birds. On Tuesday, three birds, which were rescued died.” Post-mortem of the carcasses was carried out on Monday and the viscera samples were sent to Jaipur on Tuesday for examination to find the exact cause of the deaths.
Officials claim farmers lace seeds with poison to ward off rats, squirrels, and other birds, and animals end up eating the grains. Along with the peacocks, eight female pigeons were also found dead in the field.
Babu Lal Jaju, state coordinator, People for Animals, alleged, “The reason for the constant rise in their deaths is that peacock is the only bird whose feathers are allowed to be sold. Peacocks are killed rampantly also for their meat. Since the police and forest department do not take any action, there is no fear among the poachers.”
Wildlife lovers in the state alleged that despite this high figure, the state government has failed to curb the increasing death toll of peacocks in the state. The national bird is listed under schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.