13 peacocks die due to scorching heat

Thirteen peacocks were found dead at Rajupura village near Sevaliya, Kheda district between May 5 and 15. Upset by sudden deaths of the national bird in their vicinity, villagers summoned forest officials to look into the matter.

A volunteer at Geetaben Rambhiya Smriti Ahimsa Trust said, "The first death was reported on May 5.

We visited the spot after informing the forest officials and found two more dead peacocks. One peacock in poor condition was taken to the forest office 20 km away. There would be around 3,000 peacocks in the nearby village."

K M Bhoi, Range Forest Officer of Thasra, said, "Between May 5 and May 15, we found 13 dead and seven unwell peacocks. They are responding to treatment and recovering."

Talking about the cause of death, he said, "For post mortem we sent eight dead peacocks to Dakor animal department, two to Anand University and two to animal department in Ahmedabad. One peacock was found dead today (May 15). The cause of death in all the cases was found to be heat and dehydration. Due to low human activity, the earthen pots for birds are not replenished regularly. Also, man-made ponds in farmland are dry at present. We have strategically placed 40 15-litre earthen pots around the village and roped in two villagers to replenish them daily from the water tanker. We are alert and taking all precautions. Villagers are also supportive."