TIRUCHY: The drive to uproot Seemai Karuvelam has had a rather unexpected fallout. With the disappearance of vegetation that sheltered them, peacocks and peahens have lost their safe haven along the Thuraiyur-Tiruchy Road.
With deaths of some birds reported along the stretch, wildlife enthusiasts have called for protection of the species by erecting warning signboards for motorists.
“Conversion of agriculture lands into housing plots and increased vehicular traffic on the T Kalathur-Mannachanallur Road have resulted in the death of wildlife in accidents. Wildlife death on roads is on the increase on T Kalathur-Manachanallur Road and Thuraiyur-Perambalur Road,” said Q Ashoka Chakkaravarthy, wildlife biologist and assistant professor of environmental science at St Joseph’s College, Tiruchy, who has been studying the loss of precious biodiversity on roads.
“Peacock is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Section 9 of the Act prohibits hunting of wild animals and birds specified in Schedule I, II, and III and IV. This classification has been made keeping in mind the significance and population of wildlife. Section 51 of the Act prescribes a maximum imprisonment of six years, `25,000 fine or both for hunting animals and birds specified in Schedule I,” Chakkaravarthy said.