On the current status of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus (Aves: Galliformes: Phasianidae): keeping the common species common

Authors

  • K. Ramesh
  • P. McGowan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1845.106-8

Abstract

It is ironic that while all efforts to save the Tiger (Panthera tigris) are underway, another species of national importance, the Indian Peafowl, (Pavo cristatus) is still to receive adequate attention. Illegal trade for train-feathers and mass mortality due to indiscriminate application of pesticides and herbicides in crop-fields are major causes of the recent decline in peafowl numbers. Though there has been increasing concern over the declining peafowl population, it is difficult to arrive at a realistic plan unless the current population size, the rate of decline and the causes of decline are scientifically quantified. Considering the need for conservation initiatives for peafowl, one must look beyond the ‘fire-fighting approach’ towards ‘keeping the common species common’ in order to be efficient with conservation investments and instill greater public participation.

Author Biographies

K. Ramesh

Dr. K. Ramesh is a faculty member with Wildlife Institute of India and is involved in the landscape analysis of Galliformes distribution in northwestern India. His doctoral thesis was on the ecology of three sympatric pheasant species in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh.

P. McGowan

Dr. Philip McGowan researched on the Malaysian Peacock Pheasant for his Ph.D. and is currently the Director of World Pheasant Association, U.K., an organization devoted to the conservation of the world’s Galliformes species.

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Published

26-02-2009

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2009)

Section

Communications

License

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