Forensic tests confirm peacock deaths in Karnataka caused by fungicide
On Aug 3, three male and 17 female peacocks were found dead near the outlet of a lake abutting a farm at Hanumanthapura in Midigeshi hobli, around 120km from Bengaluru. This was the third incident of wildlife poisoning reported from Karnataka in less than a month, sparking widespread concern and criticism.
"There were no external injuries or wounds on the carcasses. All internal organs were intact, but toxicological examination confirmed the presence of poison in their liver samples," said a senior forest official from Tumakuru division.
According to officials, diphenyl metalaxyl, a fungicide commonly used in agriculture and horticulture, was found in the samples.
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"It isn't clear whether the birds ingested the chemical through seeds or contaminated water. Farmers often treat seeds with fungicides prior to sowing during the kharif season. The field, where the carcasses were found, was sown with maize. We are verifying whether the birds consumed treated seeds or drank water that got contaminated when farmers washed pesticide containers," another forest official said, adding experts have been roped in to study the maize seed samples.
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They are now investigating whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. Notices have been issued to agriculture and horticulture officials, farm owners, and panchayat representatives for inquiry.
The incident has rekindled debate over the rapidly increasing peafowl population in Karnataka. The State of India's Birds report released in 2023 highlighted a 491% increase in peafowl numbers across the state over the past 30 years.
This has raised concerns among farmers and conservationists as peafowl frequently raid agricultural and horticultural fields. "Peacocks can have both positive and negative impacts on agriculture.
But lately, the damage — eating grains, fruits, and vegetables or newly sown seeds, and trampling young plants while foraging — has outweighed their benefits of pest control," said a conservationist from Shivamogga.
"Since peafowl are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, farmers have no option but to approach forest officials. The govt should consider crop losses caused by peafowl under wildlife damage and extend compensation to affected farmers," he added.
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