Peacock census to begin soon

HYDERABAD: For the first time in the country, the Andhra Pradesh forest department is going to conduct a census of the peacock population in the twin cities.Since 2006, peacock population has doubled in the twin cities due to positive measures taken by forest officials. In 2006, there were 2,500 peacocks while now there are 5,000."But we do not have concrete statistics about the number of peacocks present.Peacock population rises and falls. That is why the forest department will take a census," said conservator of forests A Shankaran.Surveys would be conducted in Hyderabad’s national parks - Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali, Mrugavani and Kasu Brahmananda Reddy - and other areas like Gachibowli, Central University, Shamshabad and Madhapur Kottaguda Botanical Garden. Counting will start in a couple of weeks with the help of NGOs working for wildlife protection and environmentalists.It would start at national parks and then move to other areas, said AP state forest range officer M Raja Ramana Reddy.He said that trained forest officials first select a certain area, divide themselves into groups and count separate parts of the area simultaneously.The experts then make a compiled report."Peacocks could change their location if they are not counted simultaneously," he said.The department will provide grains like barley, wheat and rice corn for the peacocks. Awareness programmes will be conducted against poaching and stringent action will be taken against poachers.Blue Cross of Hyderabad and other NGOs will assist the government, he said.Healthy peacocks will be sent to areas with less peacock population with the help of Central Zoo Authority of India, he added.