New Delhi: Concerned over the rise in peacock poaching, Envrionment Minister Jairam Ramesh today ordered a study to assess their number in the country.
"The Ministry officials have been asked to direct Bombay Natural History Society to get the study done," an official said.
The Minister`s decision came in the wake of media reports that the national bird is being killed for its feathers.
During the budget session of Parliament, BJP MP from Rajasthan, Arjun Ram Meghwal, had raised the issue of killing of peacocks saying the national bird is being killed since
there is huge demand for the bird`s feathers abroad.
Media reports from Rajasthan has said the state was earning a notoriety for the poaching of the national bird.
Wildlife activists and bird lovers have expressed concern over the status of the bird in the state where hundreds of birds are being killed for their meat also.
Peacocks are fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
PTI
