Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh): A total of 11 peacocks were found dead near Dhebar Badi reserved forest area of Thandla, officials said on Thursday. It is suspected that they had eaten grains mixed with pesticides.
Forest officials launches a detailed investigation
A detailed investigation has been launched. Villagers informed forest officials on Wednesday evening that they had found 9 female and 2 male peacocks dead at various spots.
Deputy forest divisional officer Sunil Sulia said all carcasses were collected and taken to Meghnagar, where a team of veterinary doctors conducted autopsies and also collected viscera samples.
Peacocks were cremated at Meghnagar forest premises
Given that peacocks are Schedule-I animals under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, they were cremated at Meghnagar forest premises after obtaining court permission.
Officials suspected pesticide poisoning
The divisional forest officer has formed a probe team for a thorough investigation into the incident. However, officials suspected pesticide poisoning as the reason behind the deaths as Forest and Animal Husbandry departments found pesticides in nearby fields.
