A comparative study of population and distribution of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus l.) during Covid-19 in specific sites in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
Keywords:
COVID-19, Distribution, Pavo cristatus, population, Bharatpur cityAbstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed by the government in 2020-2021 also impacted the peafowl ecology and behavior. This study aimed to compare the population and distribution of Indian peafowl in specific sites in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, These sites are Village Kandholi in Tehsil Rupbas, Village Saman-Penghore in Tehsil Kumher, and Anirudh Nagar colony in Bharatpur city From September 2020 to August 2023. The results showed that the peafowl population increased significantly during the lockdown period in all three sites. The main reasons for the population increase and distribution expansion were reduced human disturbance, increased food availability, decreased poaching, and improved habitat quality. But after the Lockdown (in 2021-22, 2022-23) there was a progressive decrease in the population in all three sites. Increased species diversity especially in urban areas likely derives from a reduction in noise and air pollution associated with the lockdown, implying that urban planners should consider conservation co-benefits.
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