Scores of peacocks have died in Tharparkar district as a severe heatwave and water scarcity grip the region, local residents and officials confirmed on Monday.
While wildlife authorities have not disclosed the exact number of casualties, villagers in Mithi Tehsil report that over 100 peacocks have died this month alone, with some estimates putting the total at 300 for the year. The deaths are being attributed to extreme temperatures, lack of water, and related diseases.
Deputy Conservator Mir Ijaz Talpur stated that reports of peacock deaths and illness have been coming in for the past three days. “This morning, we dispatched a team to the village of Bhimasar in Mithi to treat the peacocks,” he said.
Dr. Suwai Mal, Deputy Director of the Poultry Department, explained that the heat affects the birds’ brains but can be treated with multivitamins and antibiotics mixed in water. He added that his department is ready to assist the Wildlife Department whenever called.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the response, urging authorities to set up treatment camps in major villages to save the peacocks, which are recognized as Sindh’s national bird. Many young villagers have shared videos of the dead birds on social media, calling for urgent action to prevent further losses.
