Recent Geographical Distribution Pattern of Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and Associated Problems in Galle and Matara Districts

Abstract

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatatus) is an attractive bird. Though it is better adapted and thus has been common in Dry Zone areas, they are now seen in some areas where they were not used to. This new distribution has created numerous problems. Objective of this study was to understand the recent geographical distribution pattern of Indian peafowl in Galle and Matara Districts and, associated problems. Information was collected from 175key stakeholders in 35 Divisional Secretariat Divisions [DSJ in Galle and Matara Districts, using a pre-tested- structured type questionnaire. Peafowl was seen in Matara District for significantly [p<0.05) a longer period [9.5 yearsJ than in Galle District (5.3 years). Except the respondents in Dikwella and Devinuwara DS in Matara District; others considered peafowl an alien bird in their areas. It was found that during last decade peafowl has migrated from dry areas through low country intermediate zone such as Dikwella and Devinuwara to wet zone areas of both hilly (Mulatiyana, Pasgoda, Pitabeddara and Kotapola terrains and) and low plane (Weligama, Matara, Thihagoda and Welipitiyal areas of both Galle and Matara District. The presence of peafowl in the South- 'Western areas was reported to be more recent [less than 5 years). Peafowl was reported to cause both qualitative and quantitative damages mainly to rice cultivation, followed by vegetables such as bitter guard, radish, cucumber, luffa, tomato, green chili, leafy vegetables and tea. Respondents pointed out that -Indian peafowl causes a number of other nuisances such as transmission of parasites, damage to bulldings and vehicles and sound pollutions. It was concluded that Peafowls have spread from dry zone, through intermediate zone to wet zone of Southern and South-Western parts of Sri Lanka during the last decade. prompt actions are needed to avoid the possible emergence of peafowl-human conflict in future.