This story is from May 14, 2016

Peacocks find a new haven at Raj Bhavan

Now, an additional attraction at Raj Bhavan is the peacock restoration zone that has been created to protect peacocks in its natural habitat
Peacocks find a new haven at Raj Bhavan
Now, an additional attraction at Raj Bhavan is the peacock restoration zone that has been created to protect peacocks in its natural habitat
The Raj Bhavan at Malabar Hill has always been an attractive tourist hub for Mumbaikars. A guided tour of the Sunrise Gallery and yoga by the sea were popular features of the Bhavan. An additional attraction now is the peacock restoration zone that has been created to protect peacocks in its natural habitat, initiated by the governor CH Vidyasagar Rao. There are approximately a dozen birds at the Bhavan and the number is expected to multiply by the year end.

But considering the dwindling number of peacocks at the Raj Bhavan, this initially did not seem like an easy task. Five months ago, the Maharashtra government asked an animal welfare trust to look into the issue. And the place has now been transformed into a habitat conducive to the birth, growth and survival of peacocks.
“We are working towards restoring the peacock population here, as the number had gone down drastically. We’ve created a habitat for the peacocks, by implementing plantations of saplings that are mosquito and insect repellent, along with several artificial feeders and nesters for them to breed in a safe environment,” says Dr Madhurita Gupta, wildlife conservationist, who is spearheading the project.
“Earlier, the Raj Bhavan premises was known to have snakes and in order to control them mongooses were brought in. Once the snakes were wiped out, the mongooses turned towards feeding on peacock eggs, leading to their numbers dropping to an all time low,” says Umesh Kashikar, PRO to the Governor, Raj Bhavan. Surrounded on three sides by the sea, the Raj Bhavan is one of the major green spots in the city, with 6,000 trees, which makes it favourable for several birds, animals and rodents to breed.”
Details of the project
peacock2
Peacocks were fed next to the swimming pool area. This area was barren with a steep terrain and shrubs. This 10, 000 sq ft area has now been enclosed by steel fencing, and thus chosen for the development of the peacock habitat restoration and to create a semi-wild environment for the national bird. “We landscaped the area to give the feeling of a natural habitat for the physical and psychological well-being of the birds,” says Dr Yuvraj Kaginkar, a wildlife veterinarian and avian specialist, also one of the members of the trust.

Elements that would ensure peacocks a safe habitat
Artificial and natural nesters
The nests are provided in the semi-protected area so that peahens can complete the incubation of her eggs successfully without being disturbed by rodents and mongooses.
Sand bath pits
Small white sand baths mixed with white wooden ash have been created for them. The wooden ash acts as an important source of calcium and helps their grooming process.
Water body
This is provided so that peacocks can get clean water for drinking as well as for grooming.
Fencing
A 12-feet tall fence has been erected, which is further covered with steel plates of 1.5 ft to protect the birds. The small sections below the fence will be cemented to restrict the entry of all kind of rodents.
Feeders
peacockfeeders
These are designed in such a manner that mongoose and other rodents will not reach the top and eat the peacock feed. The feeders are also provided with parallel branches so that peacocks can comfortably sit and eat their feed without any disturbance.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA