Peacocks in Tharparkar Sindh have badly affected by the ongoing extreme heat and water scarcity in the area, media reported on Monday.
As per the reports, some residents have claimed that over 100 peacocks have died in the rural areas of the district during the heatwave this month, while others claim that the total number of peacocks that have died this year has reached 300.
Wildlife authorities refused to disclose the number of dead and sick peacocks as the beautiful birds of Thar fall victim to the intense heat and diseases.
According to Deputy Conservator Mir Ijaz Talpur, “We have received reports of peacock deaths from the villages of Mithi Tehsil.”
According to him, due to climate change and water scarcity, peacocks fall ill and eventually die. “We have been receiving reports of peacock deaths and illness for the past three days. This morning, we dispatched a team to the village of Bhimasar in Mithi to treat the peacocks.”
Dr Suwai Mal, Deputy Director of the Poultry Department, lent some expertise and stated, “The heat affects the brains of peacocks, which can be treated. Peacocks can be given multivitamins and antibiotics mixed in water. Whenever the Wildlife Department calls us, we are ready to accompany them.”
Expressing their frustration, a resident claimed, “The Wildlife Department declared the peacock as Sindh’s national bird but has abandoned it. They should set up camps in major villages to ensure immediate treatment for the peacocks”.
