20 peacock carcasses found at cashew, casuarina grove

‘Birds might have died after consuming fertilisers meant for crops’

Heart-rending: Forest department officials examining the carcasses of peacocks found at a farm in Kondalambakkam village in Vanur taluk near Puducherry on Sunday.

Nearly 20 carcasses of peacocks were found in a cashew and casuarina grove at Kondalankuppam village in Vanur taluk near Puducherry on Sunday.

Tindivanam forest ranger M. Arumugam told The Hindu that there were carcasses of six peacocks and 14 peahens.

“Based on a tip-off, we rushed to the spot and discovered the dead birds. They might have died after consuming fertilisers which the farmers had sprayed for the crops,” he said. A veterinary doctor along with forest officials examined the carcasses and sent the samples for a forensic examination.

“We are investigating whether other farmers possess the poisonous fertiliser that killed the birds,” said Mr. Arumugam.

Sakthivel Rowthiram, an animal welfare activist of Scan Foundation, India, said peacock being the national bird of India is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Killing a peacock is strictly prohibited and as per section 51(1-A) the offence attracts imprisonment, which may extend to seven years and a fine not less than ₹10,000.

Mr. Arumugam added that they have started the investigation and based on the report we will take further action. “So far, we have not taken any action against the farmers,” he said.