Bageshwar: In a surprising event, a peacock has been spotted in the hilly region of Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Typically found in plains and warmer areas, this sighting at 3,100 feet height has astonished wildlife experts.
Environmental scientists are particularly puzzled, as peacocks usually reside at altitudes around 400 meters above sea level. Wildlife experts are now busy exploring whether this rare sighting is an isolated event or part of a larger environmental change caused by climate change.
A rare occurrence in high altitude zone like Bageshwar
Local residents in Kafligair, a village 30 kilometers from Bageshwar at an elevation of over 3,100 feet, were the first to spot the peacock. This sighting, which occurred two months ago, sparked significant interest among the locals since peacocks were never seen in the area before.
Is this an indication of climate change?
Wildlife experts are currently investigating whether the unusual sighting of peacocks at such an altitude is a sign of climate change or stems from other factors. They believe there might be more peacocks in the area. Wildlife migration often happens in groups, and if the trap cameras capture images of additional peacocks, it will shed more light on this phenomenon.
Trap cameras have been installed to capture further sightings
Shyam Singh Karayat, a ranger with the Bageshwar forest department, explained that shifts in weather patterns and habitat changes might be causing animals to explore new areas. “As a result of these environmental changes, animals are beginning to venture into new territories. The bird may have moved to higher altitudes in search of food or water,” he said. He also informed that trap cameras have been installed to capture further sightings. If additional peacocks are spotted in the future, it may be considered an indicator of climate change.
What implications does this hold for wildlife?
The peacock’s presence in the mountainous terrain of Bageshwar raises significant questions and underscores potential shifts in wildlife behaviour due to environmental changes. B S Adhikari, a scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun, voiced his concern, noting, “This is undoubtedly an abnormal occurrence. Peacocks typically inhabit plains and forested areas. Their presence in mountainous regions may suggest climate or environmental changes, requiring thorough investigation.”
