The ability to discriminate numbers is widespread across taxonomically diverse animals. Some animals may have evolved enhanced numerical abilities to cope with specific social or ecological challenges. Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) are one example in which enhanced numerical abilities could be useful because peacocks have colorful trains that exhibit many eyespot feathers and females may evaluate the number of eyespot feathers to assess their mates. We therefore tested the numerical discrimination abilities of captive peafowl using a custom touchscreen apparatus. Peafowl were presented with two squares that contained a different number of circles (one to eight) and they received a reward for pecking on the square that contained more circles. To examine whether quantity factors aside from numerosity were influencing their performance, we varied the size, density or surface area of the circles. We found that the peafowl's performance was largely driven by numerosity rather than the other quantity factors. The peafowl generally performed at levels above chance regardless of the size, density or surface area of the circles. Their performance was also consistent with the Weber-Fechner Law, in which numerical discrimination is related to the ratio between numbers rather than the absolute difference. The results suggest that peafowl can discriminate among numbers and they could potentially use that ability during courtship or other contexts.

The Tharus are a prominent group of tribes who have lived in the Tarai belt of Nepal and India for centuries, relying on the forest for their survival. This ethnozoological study focuses on turtle collection and consumption by the Tharu community in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, discussing the distribution and abundance of turtle species and this community’s unique spearing method of turtle hunting. In this study, Tharu turtle hunters were hired to collect living specimens using the spearing method from nine locations, and interviews were conducted with local community members. Twenty-three living turtle specimens from three species were recorded, and an additional 81 shells were recovered from Tharu households. The Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata andersoni; Tharu: Gauriya Kachhuwa) was the most abundantly distributed species in the district. The survey of shells in households revealed that all specimens were Indian flapshell, while the two other specimens were Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurrum; Tharu: Supahawa kachhuwa) and Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta; Tharu: Khapadahawa kachhuwa). During interviews all interlocutors described eating Gauriya kachhuwa and avoiding other land turtles for consumption. Spearing is used to hunt turtles, and it is utilized in marshes, ponds, and lakes. These reptiles are killed for their meat and for medicinal uses, and the community reports that a decline in the turtle populations has been observed near Tharu settlements. Therefore, we argue that an escalation of public awareness and policy advocacy is essential, particularly in rural areas where Tharu communities live, to ensure the survival of these reptiles in the face of mounting anthropogenic challenges.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as one of the most important drivers of biodiversity change worldwide. Birds are particularly sensitive to environmental variations because their life cycles, including breeding and feeding behaviour, are closely associated with climatic conditions. The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), the national bird of India, is widely distributed across forests, agricultural landscapes, and rural ecosystems throughout the country. Although the species is currently categorized as “Least Concern,” recent studies indicate that environmental changes may influence its behaviour, habitat use, and reproductive ecology. Reproductive activities in birds are strongly governed by climatic factors such as rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, vegetation growth, and food availability. In India, the breeding season of the Indian peafowl generally coincides with the monsoon period when ecological conditions are favourable for reproduction and chick survival (Yogeshwari & Varunprasath, 2020). However, increasing climatic variability, irregular rainfall patterns, and habitat modification may disrupt these ecological relationships. This review synthesizes recent research (2020–2026) focusing on the reproductive ecology of Pavo cristatus in India and discusses how climate change may influence breeding behaviour, nesting success, and population dynamics. The review also highlights important research gaps and emphasizes the need for long-term ecological monitoring and conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of peafowl populations in changing environmental conditions.

Breeding biology of the Indian Peafowl (Pravo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758) was studied at the Sheikh Russell and Aviary and Eco-park [SRAEP] (now called Aviary and Eco-park, Rangunia, Chattogram) of Chattogram in Bangladesh. In the captive condition the peahen laid eggs during early morning or before sunrise from July to September at the aviary park. The clutch size was 5.1 (range 3 - 7, n = 10). The egg-shape is elliptical and the color is brown to white. The mean egg length, width and weight were respectively 66.09+1.36 mm (range 65-68.1 mm), width 52.03+1.02mm (range range 51-54mm) and 94.04+ 4.45 g (range 90-100 g). The mean hatchability under peahen, broody hen and incubator were respectively 68.42% (range 57.14 - 80%, n = 13 eggs), 45.45% (range 50 - 66.67%, n = 10 eggs) and 31.43% (range 27.27 - 36.36%%, n = 35 eggs). During the four-year study period (2020-2023), out of 34 chicks, an overall mortality was 50% (range 30 - 75%) and survivability was 50% (range 25 - 70%) up to six months of age. Mortality rate of peafowl chicks was caused by different causal agents at SRAEP (2020-2023) such Newcastle Disease 35%, Anorexia 12%, Escherichia coli 12%, Infectious Bursal Disease 23%, Salmonellosis 6%, parasite 6% and unabsorbed yolk sac 6%. The mean weight of newly hatched chick of 1-month, 2-month, 3-month, 4-month, 5-month, and 6-month aged were respectively 64.00+2.65 g, 406.67± 11.54 g, 620.00±00 g, 1623.30±50.33 g, 1670.67±1.43 g, 1844.95±10.38 g, 1975.71 ± 9.28 g. The daily body weight gain decreased progressively from 13.92 g/day at the 4th month to 10.98 g/day at the 6th month suggesting that the chicks were approaching a plateau phase of growth at SRAEP.

The case report deals with the detection of Raillietina spp. in Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus). The tapeworm was identified during a necropsy of a peafowl presented to the Wildlife Research & Training Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur. The intestinal contents were subjected to the saturated salt flotation technique, leading to the detection of coccidian oocysts and Raillietinan eggs. The tapeworm was studied by microscopy and identified. The finding has value in captive and free-range management of birds.

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effects of mealworm meal premix supplementation on the reproductive performance of adult peafowl and the growth and survivability of their chicks. Mealworms were oven‐dried, de‐oiled, ground and mixed with fish waste powder (150 g/kg) to prepare a nutritional premix. A total of 120 adult peafowl were allocated into four groups: control (0 g/kg) and three treatment groups receiving 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg of mealworm premix, respectively. Birds were monitored for feed intake, egg production, fertility, hatchability and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hatched chicks were reared for 4 weeks under controlled brooding conditions, and their feed intake, weight gain and survivability were recorded. Results indicated a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in FCR, chick weight, feed intake (for the first 2 weeks) and weekly weight gain in the supplemented groups, particularly at 60 mg/kg inclusion. Fertility and hatchability percentages were consistently higher in treated groups, though not always statistically significant. Chick livability improved markedly during early brooding, with Groups C and D achieving 100% survival by Week 1. The findings suggest that mealworm meal premix enhances reproductive efficiency in breeding peafowl and supports early chick development and survival, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and functional feed additive in avian species.

Background: The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus L.), the national bird of India, is a widely distributed species known for its ecological adaptability and omnivorous feeding habits. It inhabits diverse environments such as forests, agricultural lands and urban areas. However, increasing human interference and habitat modification have influenced its feeding behavior and often led to conflicts with farmers. Understanding the feeding preferences of P. cristatus across different habitats is essential for its conservation and for minimizing human-peafowl conflicts. Methods: To study the feeding preferences of Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) on different food types (trees, grasses, herbs, field crops and animals), data were collected based on the number of pecks per minute using binoculars from a safe distance. The feeding sites were revisited after feeding to confirm food types. Feeding habits were recorded using the point count method. The mean pecks per minute and standard errors were calculated by food type, location and month. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in Minitab 11 for Windows. Result: The Indian Peafowl is omnivorous, mainly feeding on herbs, crops and small animals. It consumes various tree parts, grasses and crops seasonally, with higher activity on plant matter. Animal diet includes insects, worms and small vertebrates across different months.

In Hungary, there has always been a great demand for the introduction and hunting of various exotic bird species. However, these attempts failed for most species, as the climate was generally unsuitable for them. Our work has summarised the attempts to naturalise several of these bird species. The Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris L.) has been introduced in many European countries since the Middle Ages. In Hungary, the first attempt was made in the late 1870s, followed by several unsuccessful attempts. One of the most notable of these was the manor of Kétegyháza, where Helmeted Guineafowls were kept from 1885. Although the preoccupation with the species was dying out by the time of the First World War, records from the second half of the 20th century were still being published. There were several reasons for this failure, including interbreeding with domestic Guineafowl, unfavourable climatic conditions and the lack of shrubbery as a hiding place. The Californian Quail (Callipepla californica SHAW, 1798) was introduced to Europe in 1852, while the first birds were imported to Hungary (Nyitraivánka) in 1882. In the 1880s, Zseliz, Kiskartal and an estate near Székesfehérvár were also mentioned, but all these introductions were unsuccessful as the birds did not prefer cold, snowy winters. Moreover, hunting them was not an easy task, as they dispersed after release. The first ideas of introducing the Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido L.) date back to the years before the First World War, and the possibility of introducing the species was raised again in the 1920s. However, the breeding birds never arrived in Hungary, so this species was never introduced into the Hungarian hunting grounds. The Reeves’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii Gray, 1829) appeared in the mid-1880s in the Hungarian hunting grounds, first in Szigetmonostor and then in more and more areas of the country. The released birds were successfully hunted in most places and its populations increased. Silver Pheasants (Lophura nycthemera L.) have been used by ornamental bird breeders throughout the country, but their introduction for hunting is not known. However, they have been used for hunting near our borders near Rétfalu (Wiesen), and these birds often strayed to the Hungarian hunting grounds, where they were shot. The Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis G. R. GRAY, 1843) was attempted to be introduced to the High Tatras but failed. The same was the case with the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus L.) in Győr bishopric's manor in Szany. The field identification of the Alpine Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca MEISNER, 1804) and the Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa L.) is not a simple task, making it difficult to judge exactly which species was targeted by the early attempts at colonisation. The former species had a hunting culture in the Croatian karstic region, but these could not be practised by hunters in other parts of the country, as all the colonisation attempts in the High Tatras were unsuccessful. In contrast, the Red-legged Partridge was successfully introduced in several places from the end of the 19th century. The occurrence of the Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta MONTIN, 1776) has not been confirmed in the Carpathians during the study period but attempts to introduce it in the High Tatras have been unsuccessful. The Red-winged Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens TEMMINCK, 1815) would have added to the list of American exotics. The species was experimented with in several hunting grounds but was never successfully introduced.

Urban environments harbour many terrestrial vertebrate species. Apparently, urban forests are providing habitat for many terrestrial vertebrates without changing their spatial movement patterns, particularly without decreasing their home ranges in response to habitat limitation. Several species-specific studies suggest that urban vertebrates decrease their home ranges compared with non-urban counterparts; however, it remains unclear whether this pattern is widespread across taxa or restricted to specific taxonomic groups. Consequently, we conducted a camera trap survey in Madras Christian College Campus, Chennai, spanning approximately 317.45 acres (1.48 km²) of Southern Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests with high human pressure to study the persistence and temporal activity patterns of terrestrial vertebrates. Camera traps were deployed at 11 locations within the campus and detected nine species of terrestrial vertebrates between September 2021 and April 2022. The temporal activity pattern of the golden jackal and Indian crested porcupine was found to be nocturnal, the Indian Peafowl is crepuscular, and the Indian grey mongoose was found to be diurnal. The human movement pattern also appeared during midnight and midday. The golden jackal and jungle cat had >60% temporal activity overlap, the golden jackal and Indian crested porcupine had >40% overlap, the golden jackal and chital had >25%, and the Indian crested porcupine and Indian grey mongoose had <20% temporal activity overlap, suggesting that these species may be tolerant to low levels of anthropogenic disturbance without changing their movement patterns. Our study thus indicates that urban forests still serve as a refuge for many terrestrial faunas. Further ecological research and conservation attention are needed to ensure the persistence of the last remaining populations of fauna through establishing a long-term ecological observatory to educate students and the urban public and to investigate the impact of urbanization on urban wildlife.

The present study evaluated roost selection by Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Urban and rural habitats of Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India.The observations on roosting preferences revealed that peafowl tend to roost around 60-70% of the tree height irrespective of rural or urban habitats of district Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India.Banyan trees, despite being absent in the urban sample, were the most favoured roosting tree in rural areas, possibly due to their widespread canopy and structural support and Palm trees are less preferred, likely due to structural limitations.Present observations during monsoon season showed a clear roost preference of peafowl on tall, dense-canopied trees like Banyan, Peepal, and Jamun.The urban peafowl adjusted by using relatively shorter trees but still chose higher relative roosting positions within the tree structure.Jamun trees consistently showed high suitability in both landscapes, making them vital for peafowl roosting in fragmented habitats.Additionally, the number of Indian Peafowl was found to be higher in rural areas than in urban areas, likely due to habitat degradation and reduced green cover in urban environment.

ABSTRACTThe endangered Peacock Softshell Turtle Nilssonia hurum (Gray, 1830) has undergone a steep population decline in recent decades because of habitat loss and anthropogenic pressures, highlighting the urgent need for scientific intervention to ensure its protection in the wild. Thus, the present study integrates mitogenomic and ecological data to guide proactive conservation strategies for this species. The study reports the first mitogenome (16,788 bp) of N. hurum from the upper Ganges region, which exhibits a typical gene composition and strong A + T bias. The mitogenome‐based phylogenetic analyses reveal the monophyly of the genus Nilssonia Gray, 1872 and a close evolutionary relationship between N. hurum and N. nigricans (Anderson, 1875). The genetic distance and haplotype network analyses on the basis of the CYTB gene reveal substantial intraspecific diversity and spatial genetic structuring among populations across river basins within the easternmost range. Using species distribution modeling, the study identified 123,699 km2 (6.81% of IUCN range) as presently suitable for N. hurum. However, future climate projections indicate drastic reductions in suitable habitat, with losses of up to 85% due to climate change. The landscape genetic analyses revealed that the Meghna basin exhibits the highest mean functional connectivity (0.603), whereas the Brahmaputra basin shows the lowest connectivity (0.198) despite containing suitable habitat patches, consistent with its high genetic diversity. Moreover, projections under future climate scenarios, driven by anticipated losses in habitat suitability, indicate widespread declines in functional connectivity across all basins and sub‐basins. The landscape geometry assessments further reveal increasing habitat fragmentation due to climate change. Therefore, populations persisting within suitable habitat patches across different river basins in the eastern range should be prioritized as distinct conservation units for future management. Overall, this study provides a critical foundation for site‐specific conservation planning through landscape genetics to address habitat loss, fragmentation, and mitigating inbreeding depression for ensuring the long‐term endurance of this threatened freshwater turtle in South Asia.

The Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) is the national bird of India, and is widespread and broadly scattered in the Indian Subcontinent. The population of the Indian blue peafowl is on the decline and the bird has become locally extinct in some areas of its past distribution range. A total of 20 line transects were sampled in the chosen study area (Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk of Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu). Each transect was one kilometre length. The study was carried out for six months. The Indian Peafowl population was estimated using the line transect approach. Transects of one kilometres in length were used to walk across the cultivated fields and natural habitats which were regarded as the sampling unit. The Peafowl abundance was studied in different habitats such teak trees, sugarcane, banana plantations, bamboo vegetation, and paddy fields. The overall Peafowl density in different habitats was studied. The density of overall peafowl in the Paddy field was 8.65/km2 and in Banana plantation 5.25/km2. The density in Bamboo vegetation was 5.20/km2 and Sugar cane 4.20/km2 and Teak tree 5.95/km2. This study showed the habitat selection in Indian peafowl in the study area in which paddy field was highly preferred (selected) than sugar cane habitat by Indian peafowl. The other habitats such banana plantation, bamboo habitat and teak wood habitats were moderately used.

We report the draft genome sequence of Enterobacter hormaechei strain F10K, a multidrug-resistant bacterium isolated from the feces of a captive common peafowl. The assembled genome is approximately 4.63 Mbp in size, with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 55.5% and an estimated completeness of 99.27%.

Indian peafowls can count numbers: experimental evidence of numerical cognition in peafowls

Two adult Indian peahens (Pavo cristatus) were rescued by forest officials with injured wings and inability to fly. Bilateral, open, transverse mid shaft fracture of humerus in both birds were confirmed by physical examination. Open reduction and internal fixation was done with intra medullary pinning under general anaesthesia followed by external coaptation and wing strapping. By the third week onwards, birds started flapping the wings indicating restoration of functionality. Both the birds were released into the wild by the end of the fourth week.

Cryptococcus neoformans, a ubiquitous fungus commonly found in bird droppings, poses a significant health risk by causing cryptococcal meningitis especially in immunocompromised individuals. In Malaysia, clinical reports from 1964-2010 documented an increasing incidence of C. neoformans cases, even in healthy individuals. Nevertheless, studies focusing on C. neoformans occurrence in birds are limited, with the last study conducted in 2005, focusing solely on the Klang Valley region. We aimed to update the molecular epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of C. neoformans in bird droppings from public areas and zoological gardens across Peninsular Malaysia. Molecular identifications were performed using nested-PCR with CNLAC1 outer and inner primer pairs for the primary and secondary PCR. Antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted against Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, and Itraconazole. The hygiene and environmental conditions of the zoological gardens were recorded. A total of 509 bird droppings were collected: 257 (50.5%) from public places and 252 (49.5%) from zoological gardens. Most samples from public areas were from common pigeons (n = 144; 56.0%), while samples from Mandarin ducks predominated in zoological gardens (n = 40; 15.9%). The overall prevalence of C. neoformans was 42.6% (217/509), with a higher prevalence in zoological gardens (116/252; 46.0%) versus public places (101/257; 39.3%) (P = 0.125). Notably, common pigeons in zoological gardens showed a significantly higher carrier rate (80.8%) versus in public places (54.9%) (P = 0.013). Other species with high carrier rates in zoological garden included Indian peafowls (61.9%) and budgie birds (61.3%). In public areas, apart from pigeons; doves (43.5%) also exhibited a high prevalence. Enclosure density and Columbidae family were found to be associated with high positivity rate in zoological gardens. Two strains were identified: C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D) and C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A). One isolate exhibited resistance to Itraconazole. This study highlights the need for ongoing public health surveillance and preventive measures particularly in settings where human-bird interactions are frequent.

Aim. To conduct an analysis of the influence of environmental parameters, trophic specialization and biological features in zoo pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.), peacocks (Pavo Cristatus L.) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos L.) on the spread and pathomorphological picture of mycobacteria.Methods. The methods of clinical and ethological observation, clinical and genealogical, ecological and physiological, epizootic analysis, autopsy, bacterioscopy, and polymerase chain reaction are used. Results. The highest level of mortality from mycobacteriosis was observed in pheasants. This was facilitated by their omnivorousness and alimentary infection with mycobacteria with damage to the intestinal wall, liver and spleen. Peacocks had an aerogenous infection with changes in the lungs, and mallards had a contact infection with skin lesions of injured wings. Conclusions. In pheasants, high mortality from mycobacteriosis is due to their trophic specialization and alimentary infection with mycobacteria. In peacocks, mortality from mycobacteria was lower with respiratory lesions, and in mallards, mycobacteria were detected on previously affected wing skin.

The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus), India's national bird, occupies diverse habitats including deciduous forests, agricultural landscapes, and human settlements. This study synthesizes key ecological and ethological aspects critical to its survival and behavior. Ecologically, peafowl exhibit seasonal habitat shifts, favoring forest edges and water sources during dry months and utilizing crop fields post-harvest, leading to significant human-wildlife conflict. As omnivorous foragers, their diet comprises grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates, playing a role in seed dispersal and pest control. Ethologically, males are renowned for their elaborate courtship displays centered on the "train-rattling" lek system. During breeding season (primarily April-June), males aggregate in traditional display grounds (leks) to fan their iridescent trains and perform vibratory "shivering" displays coupled with loud calls ("meow" and "ka-an"). Female choice drives sexual selection, favoring males with larger trains, more "eyespots," and superior display performance. Outside breeding, peafowl form small, loose flocks (often matrilineal) with complex vocal communication for alarm ("pia-ow") and cohesion. Vigilance behavior is pronounced, especially in open habitats, with communal roosting in tall trees providing predator avoidance. Key threats include habitat fragmentation, retaliatory killing due to crop damage, poaching for feathers, and road accidents. Conservation requires habitat corridor preservation, mitigation of agricultural conflicts, and protection of lek sites. This study underscores the Indian Peacock's role as an indicator species for ecosystem health and highlights the interplay between its spectacular sexual displays, foraging ecology, and anthropogenic pressures. Key Elements Covered: 1. Ecology: Habitat: Preferences, seasonal shifts, adaptation to human landscapes. Diet & Foraging: Omnivorous habits, ecological roles (seed dispersal, pest control). Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop raiding as a major threat driver. Movement & Roosting:** Seasonal patterns, communal roosting behavior. 2. Ethology (Behaviour): Reproductive Behaviour: Lek mating system, train-rattling display mechanics, vocalizations ("meow", "ka-an"). Sexual Selection: Female mate choice criteria (train size, eyespots, display quality). Social Structure: Flock composition (matrilineal groups outside breeding), social communication. Anti-Predator Behavior: Vigilance, alarm calls ("pia-ow"), roosting strategy. 3. Conservation: Threats: Habitat loss, persecution, poaching, accidents. Needs: Corridor protection, conflict mitigation, lek site conservation. Significance: Role as an indicator species.

Birds are an integral part of biodiversity and ecosystems. However, they can still cause significant economic damage to crops, especially in standing crops such as maize, sunflower, wheat, sorghum, barley, rice, broad beans, and legumes, as well as fruits like guava and grapes. Farmers incur significant annual losses in terms of production and economic return due to bird depredation. Some of the birds causing significant damage to crops are the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), the baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), the parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and the peafowl (Pavo cristatus). This article explores the impact of bird depredation on agriculture and synthesizes the literature on the extent of crop damage caused by various bird species along with different conventional control methods as well as recent technological advancements. This article presents various traditional and modern management strategies, along with the challenges associated with these methods. Conventional techniques such as auditory-visual deterrents, chemical repellents, Physical barriers, habitat modification, and lethal measures are studied, and their efficacy and limitations are reviewed. The article also explains the high potential of the Internet of Things, including smart scarecrows and ultrasonic repellers for bird management. A clear understanding of the behavior and patterns of crop damage by birds is necessary to develop cost-effective and practical means for bird management. This article aims to enhance knowledge sharing among farmers, researchers, and policymakers in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies for reducing bird damage in agriculture.

Hunting has been a traditional human practice for centuries to exploit faunal resources for beneficial needs. Wild Galliformes are particularly hunted for bushmeat, ornaments, religious rituals, spiritual practices, and medicine. This study documents the traditional ethnozoological knowledge and practices of Galliformes utilized by the Indigenous inhabitants of Koraput district, Odisha, India. Information was collected using the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method through semi-structured interviews. We recorded eight Galliformes species utilized in 23 distinct ways. Six body parts (meat, skull, egg, feather, feet bone, and body oil) were used to treat 15 human ailments. Results indicated that oral application (52.1%) was the most effective mode of treatment, followed by topical application (47.8%). Among the reported species, feathers of Gallus gallus and Gallus gallus domesticus were most commonly used for treating ear-related complaints (Fidelity Level [FL] = 100%), while feathers of Pavo cristatus were least utilized, associated with predicting the birth of male children (FL = 6.7%). This study provides the first documentation of the ethnomedicinal use of three quail species (Coturnix coturnix, Perdicula erythrorhyncha, and Perdicula asiatica) in Odisha. This study also highlights three hunting techniques along with the cultural importance of the Galliformes and is the first quantitative ethnozoological analysis of Galliformes in the Koraput district, using FL percentage scores. Findings of this study emphasize the significance of Galliformes, linked with traditional ethnomedicine, hunting, and socio-cultural systems.