Peacocks in the city!

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Peacocks are not a rare sight in Bangalore as the city thrives with many such diverse and unique species of birds. They can be seen in forests and lush, green parks, not that far off from our vicinity.

A lot of us merely appreciate the beauty of peacocks and peahens. We are in awe of their magnificent, colourful feathers and their mesmerising dance. But what is their role in the ecology?

Peafowls feed on snakes, keeping their population in check. They eat small snakes, including small cobras. In agricultural areas, peafowls eat locusts, insects and grasshoppers, which is very beneficial for the farmers. Peafowls thrive best in their natural environment.

Spread in and around the fringe forest areas of Bengaluru, peafowls are found in plenty and the calls are commonly heard too. A variety of reasons cause peafowls to end up displaced, injured or orphaned. Sometimes, in search of water, peafowls mistakenly reach unsafe zones. We have received cases of peafowls being bitten by the dogs or getting entangled in wires. The rapid urbanization definitely does not agree with the peafowls as more and more green covers are being turned into grey areas.






Peacocks declared as the National Bird of India, are protected under Section 51 (1-A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and its hunting or killing is a punishable offence.

The Garden City is well known for its wildlife heritage. The city has green patches spread over which is home to several wild species, from the common ones like Black Kites, Squirrels, Parakeets and Bonnet Macaques to species that we are not even aware that they live amongst us in a city like Slender Lorises, Spotted Deer, Civet Cats, Pangolins and so on. More often than not, these animals move into populous areas to evade an attack or in search of food and water. These factors lead to a rise in wildlife rescues.

We receive many such cases everyday. As citizens of this city, you too can play an important role by simply calling our rescue helpline in case you spot an urban wildlife in need of help.

Rescue Helpline Numbers: +91 99000 25370 / +91 99803 39880.

You can also donate towards the treatment and rehabilitation of urban wildlife here - https://peopleforanimalsbangalore.org/donate

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