Author(s):

Sumit Dookia, Reenu Kumari Singh, Anoop KR

Abstract: The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is national bird of India and currently facing various threats in its entire distribution range. A short study was conducted to understand the general ecology and behaviour of Indian Peafowl, to assess its habitat, roosting preference and activity pattern during breeding time in and around Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. It was found that male peafowl spent their maximum time in walking, calling and displaying in open areas to attract females in the study period. The sex ratio is highly skewed towards females. The roosting pattern reveals that the highest number of female peafowl roost together on the trees of Acacia nilotica (babul) and Neolamarckia cadamba (kadam), whereas males roost singly on the top of large trees. In the countryside, it is particularly partial to feed on crops and garden plants. Since last 10 years, data suggest that in the KNP, the peafowl population is declining due to increased trading of train-feathers, use of pesticides and herbicides in crop-fields. These are also major causes of the population decline; hence need adequate conservation attention and public participation.

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