MITHI: A mysterious disease has claimed the lives of more than 250 rare peacocks in Tharparkar’s rural areas, with hundreds more reportedly sick, raising grave concerns among local residents about the survival of the region’s prized bird population.

Residents of various tehsils, including Islamkot, Nangarparkar, Chhachhro, Diplo, and Kaloi, told Dawn that hundreds of peacocks had perished in villages such as Khari, Khakhniar, Sargho, Godhiar, Grahbah, Jogi Marhi, Galu Tar and the surrounding areas.

Criticising the wildlife department for its alleged inaction, they expressed fears of further losses unless immediate measures are taken.

According to locals, the peacocks initially suffered from cold, followed by fever, throat swelling and eventual loss of vision, leading to their death. They added that the wildlife department lacked the necessary expert staff and medicines to control the situation.

Tharparkar is home to approximately 500,000 rare ‘blue shoulder peacocks’, a species protected within the Thar Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. Any threat to their population is seen as a serious blow to the district’s natural heritage and biodiversity.

Speaking to this reporter, Deputy Conservator of Wildlife Mir Ijaz Talpur confirmed the alarming number of deaths. “Over the past few days, we have recovered more than 100 dead peacocks,” he said, adding that over 25 more had died during treatment. He claimed that the departmental teams were being dispatched to the affected villages and were working round the clock to save the ailing birds on an emergency basis.

Mr Talpur also stated that no specific disease had yet been diagnosed. “We suspect that climate change, particularly intense heatwaves during the summer months, may have caused heatstroke among the peacocks,” he said. “Widespread cutting of trees has also deprived these rare birds of natural shelters, increasing their vulnerability.”

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2025