Ecological and Morphological Studies of Indian Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) of Khar Centre, Khar Division at Khirthar National Park, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

In Pakistan, the blue peafowl is found in Narowal and Tharparkar, and is breeding in the natural habitat of Khar Centre, Kirthar National Park, which is the only national park in Sindh. The present research on Ecological and Morphological study is carried out in an 8 km radius of Khar Centre, Kirthar National Park, from July 2021 to June 2022. The estimated population of Indian peafowls was recorded as 250. Among them, about 30%. subadult 36% and 34% peachicks, male, female ratio is 34% to 66%. Thirty specimens of Indian peafowls were collected to measure their body parameters. Average body length from beak to cloaca was measured as 64cm and 52.8cm for adult males and females, respectively. While for sub-adults, males and females, it was 49.2cm and 44cm, respectively. While for peachicks, it was 38.4 cm and 29.6 cm, respectively. Average beak length was measured as 2.96 cm to 1.5 cm in adult, subadult, and peahen. Tail length varied from 146.8 cm to 29.2 cm in different categories. Wingspan length varied from 156 cm to 54 cm, while crest length varied from 8.2 cm to 4 cm in adults and in peahens, respectively. The temperature varies from 10°C to 45°C in the area. The water used by the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) has a pH. Salinity, conductivity, and TDS are (pH: 8.60±0.59), (salinity: 60±0.28 ppt), (conductivity: 1609.33±300.57 μs/cm), and (TDS: 790.67±147.64 mg/l). In this study, the estimated population of Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) was observed as 31 individuals/km. The results indicate that the Khar Centre in Kirthar National Park is a suitable place for the breeding and conservation of Indian peafowl. This study is the first of its kind in Khar Centre, Kirthar National Park, Sindh.