(a) whether the highest level legal protection has been provided to peacock species under the Wild Life (Protection) act, 1972;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether reports of killing/hunting of peacocks have been reported;
(d) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, State-wise till date; and
(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a)and (b) Yes, Sir. Peacock is included under the Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby affording this species the highest degree of legal protection.
(c) and (d) Reports of poaching of peacocks have been received in the Ministry from time to time. However, State-wise details of such deaths of peacocks are not compiled at the level of Central Government.
(d) The important steps taken by the Government for protection of peacocks include:
i. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
ii. Law enforcement authorities in the States maintain strict vigil against poaching of peacocks.
iii. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles, including peacocks, and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws.
iv. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Protected Areas.
v. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats. Five Protected Areas have been created especially for the conservation of peacocks.
vi. Financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, for providing better protection to wildlife including peacock, and improvement of habitat.