Global Eco Watch: Major ecological happenings of the week (February 10 – 16, 2020)

Peacock numbers rise in Kerala’s Palakkad due to decrease in jackal population

The numbers of peafowl, India’s national bird, have arisen in Kerala’s border district of Palakkad over the last decade, according to a media report.

The birds are now found in farmlands across the district in stark contrast to the past when they were confined to the fringes of forests.

They pose a significant threat to farmers in the district as they can cause severe damage to crops and also feast on insects, small reptiles and grubs due to their being omnivores.

Environmentalists claim the rise in peafowl numbers in Palakkad is due to the drop in jackal numbers. Jackal numbers declined as the species lost its dens due to clearing of vegetation in the district during work for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Previously, jackals used to eat eggs laid by peahens and thus keep the peafowl population under control. That being no longer the case, the population has now risen.

Colorado wildlife officials fine woman for illegally feeding deer

Wildlife officials have fined a woman $550 for luring three deer into her living room and feeding them, in a violation of laws.

According to a media report, video footage showed Lori Dixon calling the three deer by pet names and leading them into her living room where she had put a banana, half an apple, bread pieces and carrots on her table for them to feed on.

According to a statement by the officials, such behaviour was completely uncalled for as wildlife should best be left alone and not treated as pets.

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