20 Peacocks Found Dead in Karnataka Village, Just Weeks After Tiger Deaths: Locals Raise Alarm

Barely a month after five tiger deaths shocked forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts, another disturbing incident has emerged from Karnataka. This time, it’s a cluster of dead peacocks—20 of them—found under mysterious circumstances in a village in Belagavi district. The sudden loss of these national birds has not only baffled authorities but also raised urgent questions about the state’s wildlife safety and environmental oversight.

What Happened in the Village

Residents of Chikkodi Taluk in Belagavi woke up to a grim scene as dozens of peacocks were found lying motionless in the fields. The birds showed no visible signs of injury or struggle. Most were found in one area, hinting at a possible mass poisoning or disease outbreak.

Initial panic among villagers quickly turned into concern, with many pointing to the use of pesticides in nearby farmland. Others suspect contaminated water sources. While forest officials have taken samples for testing, the exact cause remains unclear.

The Bigger Pattern

This isn’t an isolated case. Just a few weeks ago, Karnataka reported five tiger deaths in a short span, sparking major concerns about poaching, habitat stress, and internal conflicts among the big cats. Now, with the peacock deaths adding to the list, wildlife experts are pushing for a deeper investigation into the pattern.

Environmentalists argue that incidents like these are symptoms of a larger problem—unchecked land use, encroachment into forest areas, and weakening ecosystems. When wild animals and birds start dying in clusters, it usually signals a breakdown in their natural environment.

Locals and Officials Speak Up

Villagers say that while peacocks are common in their fields, such mass deaths have never been seen before. Many are now afraid of using the local water for irrigation or livestock, fearing contamination.

Meanwhile, forest and veterinary teams are collecting carcasses for autopsy and have sent samples to labs in Bengaluru for a detailed report. Until then, the area is being monitored and locals have been advised not to touch any dead animals.

Why Tier 2 and Rural Areas Need Attention

Cases like these often go unnoticed in national headlines, especially when they occur in rural belts. But Tier 2 cities and surrounding villages are where most of India’s remaining wildlife habitats exist. Protecting these areas is critical—not just for biodiversity but also for public health, water safety, and local livelihoods.

Experts stress that rural and semi-urban areas must receive equal focus when it comes to environmental policies, funding for forest departments, and awareness among farming communities about chemical use.

Conclusion

The sudden deaths of 20 peacocks in Karnataka, on the heels of tiger fatalities, are more than just isolated tragedies. They serve as a wake-up call for stronger wildlife monitoring, better environmental practices, and more transparency in local investigations. Until the root causes are identified and addressed, the fear of more such incidents will continue to haunt both conservationists and common citizens