Online ISSN: 2515-8260

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF INDIAN PEAFOWL AND THEIR NESTING PREFERENCES WITHIN CHANDIGARH CITY AND ITS ADJOINING AREAS

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Sandaldeep Kaur1 and Tejdeep Kaur Kler2

Abstract

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is widely distributed bird but its status is unknown in urban landscape. The aim of the study was to estimate the distribution and abundance and nesting preferences of Indian Peafowl in Chandigarh and adjoining areas from January 2017 to December 2017. Two locations in the city viz: Peacock Garden, Sector- 39 (location I), near bus stand Sector- 43 (location II) two locations from adjoining areas i.e. village Palsora (location III) and village Maloya (location IV) were selected. Point transect method was used during study. The total inhabitants of Indian Peafowl was recorded to be 30-35 at location I, 15-20 at location II, 10-15 at location III and IV with flock size ranged between 7-10 individuals. The sex ratio was highly skewed towards females at all selected locations. The thick, thorny and scrub vegetation cover was found to be the most preferred habitat. Indian Peafowl devoted maximum time in feeding and standing followed by roosting, calling and display. Roosting was observed on Azadiracta indica (Neem), Ficus religiosa (Peepal), Acacia nilotica (Kikar), Melia azedarach (Dhek). Breeding activities of Indian Peafowl was commenced in the month of April till first week of October. At location I, II, III and IV nests observed were 7, 5, 3, and 2 respectively. It could be inferred that the presence of heterogeneous vegetation comprising of trees, scrub vegetation and grassland which can provide refuge and breeding grounds to Indian Peafowl and these areas should be sustained.

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