Pavo Cristatus Research Articles

Diurnal Activity Profiles of Forest-inhabiting Indian Peafowl in Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India

A free-ranging flock of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) was studied to analyze their diurnal activity budget in Barnodi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India. A total of 11,664 scan samples were collected over three consecutive years (2021-22 to 2023-24), covering all four distinct seasons. The study revealed that feeding was the predominant activity, impacting all other behaviors throughout the day. Bimodal peaks for feeding (up to 58% during the morning and 60% during the afternoon) and locomotion activities (up to 20% during the morning and 41% during the afternoon) while a mid-day peak for resting was observed. Additionally, mid-day peaks were noted for both preening and sand-basking behaviors. Display activity was more frequent during late morning and midday, further supporting its social function, which appeared to be balanced with resting time. However, the relatively consistent monitoring behavior suggested a typical approach to territory defense and predator safety. The findings also indicate that the random distribution of food resources influences the diurnal activity budget of forest-dwelling Indian Peafowl.

Feather keratin in Pavo cristatus: A tentative structure

Abstract Background F-keratin forms an evolutionary conserved nanocomposite which allows birds to fly. Structural models for F-keratin are all based on the pioneering X-ray diffraction studies on seagull F-keratin, first published in 1932, confirmed for other species and refined over the years. There is, however, no experimental proof because native F-keratin does not form a perfect molecular crystal as required for structure determination. Methods Peacock’s tail feathers were systematically re-investigated by taking diffraction patterns at different rotation angles. Using the recently developed AlphaFold algorithm, a collection of 3D models of arbitrarily truncated and multiplied Pavo cristatus F-keratin sequences was created. The shape, dimensions, density and interfacial exposure of functionally relevant amino acid side chains of the calculated 3D building blocks were used as the initial selection criteria for filamentous F-keratin precursors. Full reproducibility of in silico folding and agreement with previous results from mechanical testing, biochemical analyses and SAXS experiments was mandatory for suggesting the tentative structure for the novel F-keratin repeating unit. Results The filament of the F-keratin polymer is an alternating arrangement of two units called "N-block" and "C-block": Four strands AA 1–52 form a disulfide-stabilized twisted parallelepiped, with 89° internal rotation within eight levels of β-sandwiches. Four strands AA 81–100 form a two-level “β-sandwich” in which aromatic residues provide resilience, like vertebral discs in a spinal column. The pitch of an N+C-block octamer is 10 nm. Solidification may involve "C-blocks" to temporarily mold into "C-wedges" of 18° tilt, which align F-keratin into laterally amorphous fiber-reinforced composites of 9.5 nm axial periodicity. This experimentally significant distance corresponds to the fully stretched AA 53–80 matrix segment. The deformed “spinal column” unwinds under compression when F-keratin filaments perfectly align horizontally into stacked sheets in the solid state. Conclusions At present, the tentative structure presented here is without alternatives.

DENSITY OF INDIAN BLUE PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN DIFFERENT MICROHABITATS AT THANJAVUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

A total of 260 observations were taken into account to obtain thedensity of Indian Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in all the transects in the study area. This average abundance consisting of 64 Peacocks, 140 Peahens and 56 chicks were obtained from August 2023 to July 2024 (12 months). The present study area actually covering Thanjavur district (10.7870⁰ N 79.1378⁰ E)which includes the taluks of Kumbakonam, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Papanasam, Thiruvaiyaru and Thanjavur. The data on the abundance of Indian Peafowl were obtained from 57 Transects in the study area and which includes 13 micro habitats. The study area which covering the various microhabitats such paddy crop, cotton plant, bamboo, commercial flower gardens, sugar cane field, banana plant, mango tree groove, coconut tree plantation, bushes of acacia sp, palm tree ground, papaya tree, black gram plant and ground nut plant field etc.All the transects were accounted for density estimation in the study area for Indian Blue Peafowl. Totally 57 transects/areas were studied for the density (Density, Upper Confident Level and Lower Confident Level at 95%) of Indian Blue peafowl. Among the transects, the highest mean density was 8.73/km sampled (Density 8.73 UCL 11.03 and LCL 7.23) observed in Erumaipatti area. Contrary, the lowest mean density of Indian Blue Peafowl was 2.45/km sampled in Rajagiri area (Density 2.45 UCL 4.75 and LCL 0.95). The other transects/areas were recorded the moderate density for Indian Blue Peafowl.The study area covered were 13 type of microhabitats in the study area such Paddy crop, Cotton plant, Bamboo, commercial flower gardens, Sugar cane field, Banana plant, Mango tree groove, Coconut tree plantation, Bushes of Acacia sp, Palm tree ground, Papaya tree, Black gram plantation and Ground nut plant field. The density of Indian Blue fowl was 115.85/ km sampled in paddy field (Density 115.85 UCL 118.15 and LCL 114.55 recorded. The minimum density was obtained (4.38/ km sampled) in the commercial flower gardens (Mean density 4.38 UCL 6.68 and LCL 3.08.The density of Indian Blue fowl in different sex were studied and it showed the highest density was found in the Paddy field in the case of cock. The maximum density was 33.27/km sampled (Density33.27 UCL 35.57 and LCL31.97) in the paddy field. The minimum density of cock were recorded in the ground nut 1.45/km sampled (Density 1.45 UCL 3.75 and LCL 0.15).The density of Indian Blue fowl in the case of hen it was (74.91/km sampled) high (Mean density74.91 UCL 77.21 and LCL 73.61). The low density of hen was recorded (2.55/km sampled) in the commercial flower gardens (Density 2.55 UCL 4.85 and LCL 1.25).The chicks were accounted to find out the density of Indian Blue peafowls and the maximum density was 28.73/km sampled in the paddy field (Density 28.73 UCL 31.03 and LCL 27.43). The minimum density of chicks of peafowl 1.09/km sampled in the ground nut plantations (Density 1.09 UCL 3.39 and LCL 0)were obtained in the study area.

Impacts of visitors on female pheasants in pheasantry, Haripur, Pakistan.

The interaction between visitors and captive birds is complex, with a potential impact on bird's behavior and welfare. Understanding this interaction is essential for effective conservation and management. We conducted a study at the University of Haripur's pheasantry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to investigate the effects of visitor numbers, duration of visitor presence, and climatic factors on the behavior of female pheasants. We observed the state and events of feeding, hiding, and moving behaviors of 16 randomly selected individuals from five species. The mixed-effects modeling results show that visitors (VT), visitors' presence duration (VPD), and temperature (TP), significantly influence feeding events (p < 0.001), feeding duration (p < 0.001), hiding events (p < 0.001) and hiding duration of female pheasants (p < 0.001). The moving events of pheasants were also significantly affected by both VT and VPD (VT: p = 0.002, VPD: p < 0.001). Moreover, under high visitor conditions, the impact of VPD on the behavior of female pheasants was more pronounced (p < 0.001). Additionally, our result reveals that different species of pheasants exhibit varying sensitivities to human factors and climatic factors. For instance, the two species of female pheasants with the highest feeding and hiding events were the Green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) and the Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). While hiding duration of female Green pheasants, female Golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus), and female Silver pheasants (Lophura nycthemera) was longer than those of others. The mean number of moving events was highest in females of Ring-necked, followed by Golden pheasants. The female Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and female Silver pheasants were the birds with the longest moving duration. Our findings highlight the necessity for customized management strategies, to lessen the effects of human disturbances in pheasantries. For a thorough understanding of these interactions, more studies involving larger sample sizes and a wider variety of species are advised.

Identification of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Phasianidae) Using Feather Calamus by Molecular Genetic Method

The ornate and vibrant bird, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 belongs to Phasianidae family and is proud to be the national bird of India due to it is extravagant feathers and cultural significance. Thus, the accurate identification of this species is significant for its conservation as well as for areas where it is endangered due to factors such as habitat destruction and hunting. This study applies molecular analysis for the identification of the Indian peafowl by analyzing shed feather samples non-invasively through DNA barcoding. Barcoding the species was done by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. The study is rightly able to establish that DNA obtained from shed feathers can generate DNA barcodes, which help with species identification. This method provides a useful instrument for the wildlife tracking and the conservation of birds by providing an efficient and non-harmful way of identifying and tracking the population of the species. These results show that DNA barcoding could be useful in increasing the efficiency of species identification, differentiation in avian research to the broader field of molecular ecology for the monitoring, conservation and management.

Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Population Studies on different agricultural and other bird species were carried out at Students farm, College farm, Agri biodiversity park, and Agricultural Research Institute farm areas of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Campus in semiarid region of Telangana state covering an area of about 36 Sq.km. for a period of eleven years (2012 to 2023). Population diversity of 92 species of different birds, and their distribution within the university campus farm areas were recorded. Important among them are 9 species namely: Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri),Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Baya weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus), White throated munia (Lonchura malabarica), and Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which depredate experimental field crops among them only few birds such as: Rose ringed parakeets, House crows, House sparrows, Pigeons, Baya weavers, Peafowls and Munias were serious bird pests to major agricultural and horticultural crops. The University farm areas were found to be the most preferred habitat for many of these birds, it could be due to availability of food, breeding, roosting and resting sites in abundance because of more agricultural croplands and agro forestry trees.

Preening correlates with lower feather bacteria abundance but not feather coloration in a lek‐breeding bird

Feathers are structures unique to birds that serve important functions such as flight, thermoregulation, and communication. Bacteria that live on the feathers, particularly ones that can break down keratin, have the potential to damage feathers and disrupt their use in communication. We predicted that birds could behaviorally manage their feather bacterial abundances by preening their feathers. We also predicted that individuals with lower feather bacterial abundances would have brighter and more colorful feathers. To test these predictions, we measured the amount of time individuals in a colony of captive Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus spent preening their feathers. We also collected feathers to determine bacteria abundance on the feather surface and to measure feather coloration. We found that birds had lower feather bacteria levels when they spent more time preening their own feathers, but only in female birds. We also found that bacteria abundances were not correlated with any feather color variables we measured. These results suggest that birds can manage feather bacterial abundances by preening but feather bacteria may not influence feather coloration in this species.

Assessment of wild prey of mammalian carnivores in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Barda WLS) is a semi-arid ecosystem that plays an important role in the conservation of mammalian carnivores. It is essential to evaluate the population of important wild prey species in Barda, which has conservation implications for mammalian predators and themselves. We assessed the density, biomass, and population structure of wild prey species by surveying road (n = 10) and trail (n = 8) transects using the distance sampling framework method. We used male-to-female sex ratios and the percent contribution of each age class to assess population structure. Mean group size (MGS), median group size (Mdgs), and mean crowding (Mc) were calculated to analyze group size. Of the species studied, Indian peafowl had the highest density (51.61 ± 7.08 individuals/km2), followed by wild pig (10.77 ± 4.59), blue bull (3.50 ± 0.51), Indian hare (3.03 ± 0.73), and spotted deer (0.62 ± 0.04). The male-to-adult female sex ratio was biased towards females, except for Indian peafowl. All species had small group sizes except wild pigs. The results of this study can aid in its development as one of the important protected areas in Gujarat for the conservation of mammalian predators, along with framing conservation strategies for Barda WLS.

Morphological study of laying and non-laying female genital system in peacock (Pavo cristatus)

Morphological study of laying and non-laying female genital system in peacock (Pavo cristatus)

Assessment of long-term trends in a threatened grassland bird community using daily bird lists

Summary Open natural ecosystems (ONEs), such as tropical grasslands, are among the most threatened habitats on Earth today. The long-term monitoring of ONEs is an important research domain that is essential for understanding anthropogenic impacts and facilitating conservation action. Using a simple day-listing method over a 13-year period, we studied species trends in a central Indian grassland–agriculture mosaic experiencing several land-use changes. Our results indicate that some grassland species (such as the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps) showed steep declines during the study period, while other generalist species (such as the Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus) showed an increasing trend. Daily listing also revealed distinct seasonal patterns, and we discuss the Great Indian Bustard and Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus as examples. Our study highlights the utility of consistent checklist surveys to monitor population trends of bird communities within a changing landscape.

Heavy Metals Mediated Genotoxic Effects on Captive Pavo cristatus from Different Sites of the Punjab, Pakistan

Heavy Metals Mediated Genotoxic Effects on Captive Pavo cristatus from Different Sites of the Punjab, Pakistan

Preference for Animals: A Comparison of First-Time and Repeat Visitors

Wildlife tourism is one of the strongest-performing sectors in the global tourism market. While tourists’ preferences for and affection towards animals are a cornerstone of the industry, a better understanding of how experiences, including animal–tourist encounters and visitation frequency, influence visitors’ animal preferences is required. Through a comparison of preferences among first-time and repeat visitors of four species (giant panda “Ailuropoda melanoleuca”, red panda “Ailurus fulgens”, peafowl “Pavo cristatus”, and swan “Cygnus”), both before and after animal encounters at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Panda Base), the results show that different species elicit varied and, at times, contrasting tourist preferences. As a result, animal preferences in wildlife tourism can vary based on different stages of visitation. Highlighting this dynamic relationship between animal preferences and visitation experiences is further elucidated through consumer learning theory and lively capital. The outcomes of this study contribute to a deeper grasp of human–animal interactions and have broader implications for the development of conservation programs in captive wildlife venues.

Feathers, eggs, and blood as bioindicators of heavy metals and their impact on DNA damage in captive Pavo cristatus

ABSTRACT Heavy metals and their genotoxic effects in captive Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) residing in various regions of Punjab, Pakistan, specifically, Wildlife Park Bahawalpur (WPB), Jallo Wildlife Park Lahore (JWPL), and Wildlife Park Murree (WPM) were evaluated in blood, feathers, eggshell and egg content samples. The Single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay was performed to evaluate DNA damage. The results showed that the concentration of Cr was significantly high (P < 0.05) in Blood (3.79 µg/g), Feather (4.87 µg/g), Egg shell (51.02 µg/g) and Egg Content (13.59 µg/g) samples of Jallo Wildlife Park Lahore followed by Pb, Mn, Ni and Co. The highest (P < 0.05) metal accumulation was found in eggshell samples due to its porous structure as compared to other samples. Likewise region-wise analysis showed that Jallo Wildlife Park Lahore appeared to be more polluted than WPB and WPM. Indian Peafowl kept at WPM and JWPL exhibited higher levels of genotoxicity compared to the birds kept at WPB. This disparity can be attributed to the increased exposure to pollution and heightened stress experienced by the peafowl in the former two locations. This study concluded that among all the three study sites of Punjab, the WPB is most suitable for housing captive animals and birds.

Co-infestation caused by Goniodes pavonis (L., 1758) (Ischnocera: Goniodidae) and Goniocotes rectangulatus Nitzsch [In Giebel], 1866 on white Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus L., 1758 (Galliformes: Phasianidaede) in Brazil

The genus Goniodes Nitzsch and Goniocotes Burmeister (Ischnocera: Goniogodidae) are distributed worldwide, and exclusively parasitizing avian hosts of the Galliformes. In Brazil, there are only four species recorded: Goniodes dissimilis Denny, Goniodes gigas (Taschenberg), Goniodes pavonis (L.), and Goniocotes gallinae (DeGeer). In the present study, we are reporting the co-parasitism of G. pavonis and G. rectangulatus Nitzsch [In Giebel] on specimens of the white Pavo cristatus, popularly known as ‘white Indian peafowl’ for the first time. Furthermore, a new Brazilian locality for G. pavonis species has been reported, as well as the first time that G. rectangulatus is reported to Brazil. Additionally, we provide the first molecular information for G. pavonis.

Behavioral Aspects of Pavo Cristatus in Gulbarga University Campus: A Study on their Roosting, Mating, and Feeding Patterns

Behavioral Aspects of Pavo Cristatus in Gulbarga University Campus: A Study on their Roosting, Mating, and Feeding Patterns

Haematological alterations under the anti-helminthic application in Pavo cristatus

ABSTRACT Anti-helminthic drugs (Albendazole and Levamisole) trials were conducted on Indian Peafowls (n = 20) kept at Jallo Wildlife Park, Lahore, Pakistan for 15. Sampling was conducted on days 7 and 15 of treatments. The results showed that the WBC count was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in both samples in response to Levamisole treatment. Haemoglobin (HGB) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to both treatments; however, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Albendazole-treated birds on both the sampling days compared to the control. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width-Standard Deviation (RDW-SD) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all treatment groups. On the other hand, the prevalence of eggs per gram (EPG) was reduced by 20% after the application of Levamisole on days 7 and 15. It was concluded that both drugs had significant effects on WBCs, HGB, MCH, MCHC and RDW-SD.

Rethinking the functions of peacock’s display and lek organisation in native populations of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

Males of Indian Peafowl are known for their extravagant courtship display used to attract mates. The displays are seen in absence of potential mates as well. This study investigates various contexts in which display behaviours are shown by Indian peafowl. Upto 70% of displays were observed in absence of potential mates. High frequency of displays in presence of other males and longer display bouts during the month of May when mating rarely happens, indicated that display behaviours might have a role to play in male-male competition or territory defence in addition to the female mate choice. The males establish and maintain their courtship display territories throughout the breeding season. Earlier studies assume that the choice of location does not depend on any resources as the species has a lek mating system. How these display sites are chosen is still a question. In this study, we investigated factors that might be important for the selection of display sites in a free-ranging Indian Peafowl population. It was observed that display sites were more concentrated within a radius of 300 meters of the food provisioning site and/ or a water resource and the number decreased considerably beyond the 300 m radius of food and water resources. Overall, the selection of display sites is non-random and highlights the importance of resources in the choice of display territories. The spatial organisation of leks in our study indicate that the mating system in Indian peafowl may be resource-based lek.

Biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from molted feathers of Pavo cristatus and their antibiofilm and anticancer activities

Abstract The present study employed molted feather ash extract from Pavo cristatus to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (Pcf-ZnONPs). The Pcf-ZnONPs were characterized through advanced spectroscopy techniques to study the chemical and physical properties of NPs. Pcf-ZnONPs specifically exhibit an absorption peak at 365 nm in the UV spectroscopy analysis. TEM and SEM confirmed the nanoscale presence of ZnO. The antibiofilm and antibacterial properties of Pcf-ZnONPs were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At a concentration of 25 µg·mL−1, Pcf-ZnONPs exhibited a significant reduction in the thickness of bacterial biofilms. Breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231) and fish cell lines were used to investigate in vitro anticancer activity. The MTT experiment demonstrated that Pcf-ZnONPs have good anticancer efficacy against a breast cancer and a fish cell line. The nontoxicity and biocompatibility of Pcf-ZnONPs were also investigated, exhibiting excellent hemocompatibility with red blood cells and no appreciable toxicity in Brine shrimp. In conclusion, Pcf-ZnONPs may be deemed nano-biomedicine compatible with biological systems for the treatment of bacterial illnesses in higher species.

Immunohistochemical developmental comparative study between thymus and spleen of Peacock(Pavo Cristatus)

In thymus, CD8 showed -ve expression at one week age. At one and two months old, strongly +ve were observed within the thymic parenchyma and around Hassall's corpuscles. At seven months old, CD8 showed variable degrees of +ve expression especially around blood vessels but less frequency than that of the younger ages due to the retarded activity of the thymus gland. CD268 cells showed –ve expressions in cortex and medulla of thymus at the 1st week of age . At the age of one month old Peacock the CD268 exhibited high degree of +ve appearance for B cells. At the age of two months old, CD268 displayed +ve expression in thymic cortex particularly around the septae. At age of seven months old Peacocks, the adult cellular population were formed the whole parenchyma of thymus gland therefore CD268 give slightly +ve expression in the cortex mainly around the septae. While in the spleen, CD8 were showed –ve expression at the age of one week Peacock poult . At the age of (1,2 and 7) months old spleen have great role in the immunity. CD268 indicated –ve expressions at one week of age, because of most of the cells at this age immatured. Few numbers of B lymphocytes were showing +ve expression at one month of age .At age of two months old Peacock B cells showed highly +ve expression. At age of seven months old Peacocks showed +ve expression, and highly increase in the number of mature B lymphocytes compared with other previous younger ages

Histomorphological study of tongue in Indigenous peacock (Pavo cristatus)

The current study aimed to examine the histomorphological features of the oral salivary ducts and the peacock tongue (Pavo cristatus) of this species. In this study, eight healthy adult peacocks were used after collecting them from a commercial market in Baghdad to investigate and describe the tongue in these bird species. After being euthanized, they were killed by cutting off the major neck blood vessels and bleeding until death; the tongue was identified. The tongue was the sharp end, elongated, somewhat triangular, and measured 8.2 mm. The apex, trunk, and base are its three sections. There are 4 to 5 layers of big conical papillae on the area where the root and body converge. Without gustatory papillae, the dense keratinized epithelium stratified squamous epithelia that lined the dorsal surface and were sparse on the ventral surfaces. The body and tongue root contain cells of the epithelium. It was supported by hyaline cartilage as a short plate. Lingual salivary glands situated anterior and posterior are superficial branch tubuloalveolar glands. This research was conducted at the University of Baghdad/ College of Veterinary Medicine in the Anatomy and Histology Department. Our result concluded that modifying the bird tongue, papillae distribution, and mucosa epithelium histological features is mainly restricted to feeding types that also have similarities with other avian species. Keywords: peacock, tongue, lingual papillae, keratinized epithelium