Kuppam's Peacock Boom: Boon or Crop Bane?

The Indian peafowl, a Schedule-I protected species, is experiencing a significant population increase in the Kuppam region of Chittoor district. Once limited to forest edges, these birds now regularly inhabit villages, farms, and campuses, reflecting a broader national trend of growing peacock numbers.

The thriving peacock population in Kuppam, supported by ideal forest habitats, open fields, and rocky elevations, presents a dual reality. While it marks a conservation achievement, farmers are increasingly concerned about crop damage, with paddy fields being the most affected. Vegetable and cereal crops also suffer from the birds' feeding habits.

Forest authorities report that peacock deaths are primarily due to natural causes, such as stray dog attacks or accidental exposure to agricultural chemicals, rather than poaching. Efforts are made to rescue injured birds, with several saved each month from incidents like dog bites and suspected pesticide poisoning. The difficulty in quantifying pesticide-related deaths remains a challenge.