BENGALURU: In a concerning incident, the lifeless bodies of 20 peacocks -The carcasses of 20 peacocks – three male and 17 female – were discovered in Hanumanthapura village in Karnataka, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Farmers in the area found the carcasses—three male and seventeen female—scattered across fields adjacent to a nearby stream.
The cause of death remains unknown, and wildlife officials have been called in to examine the site. The peacocks, India’s national bird, are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, making the event a matter of both ecological and legal significance.
Preliminary visual assessments showed no immediate signs of external injury or violence, raising suspicions of poisoning or environmental contamination. Officials from the forest department collected samples from the site and have sent the carcasses for autopsy to determine the exact cause.
Villagers reported seeing the peacocks active just a day earlier, adding to the shock and mystery surrounding the mass deaths. Local conservationists have also expressed concern over possible water pollution or use of banned agrochemicals in the surrounding farmland.
The forest department has assured that a detailed probe will be conducted, and further steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents. Awareness campaigns on safe farming practices and wildlife protection are likely to follow.
