Alathur: A decade ago, catching a glimpse of a magnificent peacock was something considered lucky and rare. However, this has now become a common phenomena. As per statistics, the state’s peafowl population has increased by 150 percent since 1998. 

This finding came to light in a study conducted on birds carried out jointly by 13 organizations including the Wildlife institute and the World Wildlife fund. The report is based on observations made by 30,000 bird watchers through the e-bird system. 

Peacocks, which were earlier only found in Idukki, Wayanad, Palakkad and Thrissur districts, are now found everywhere. 

Indicative of dry climate

Peacocks usually inhabit dry, rocky and bushy areas. Dr P.O Namir from the Kerala Agricultural University Wildlife department says that the proliferation of peacocks is nature’s way of indicating the changing climate of Kerala. Peacocks were declared as the national bird in 1963 and with the strengthening of the forest and wildlife act, the situation became favourable for peacock population growth. 

According to a study, 19 percent of Kerala’s land area is now a favourable peacock habitat and by 2050, this is expected to go up to 40 percent. 

Threat to agricultural crops

Availability of food crops like rice and vegetables, along with dryness result in peacocks multiplying. Another threat, the wild boar also looms over the state as the law does not allow provisions to control their spread. 

Although peacocks do not cause drought, they destroy crops which is already proving to be a challenge for farmers. Their proliferation is creating a new crisis in the agricultural sector.