Population Status and Distribution Pattern of Indian Peafowl (<I>Pavo cristatus</I> Linnaeus, 1758) in Chilla Range, Rajaji National Park

Abstract

A short-term study on population status and distribution pattern of Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus during peak breeding season from January to May 2006 was conducted in Chilla range of Rajaji National Park. Nine line transects of 600 m in length were marked in different portions of the park. Each line transects were walked for six times in both morning and evening hours. The transect surveys recorded 713 birds in 429 observations. The overall density of 88.24 birds per square kilometre comprised female favoured population structure of 48.72 peahen per square kilometre to 38.89 peacock per square kilometer. In Chilla range of Rajaji National Park, peafowls preferred Chilla block area, followed by Mundal and Khara respectively. Low density of peafowl in Khara block might have been related late relocation process in comparison to Mundal and Chilla blocks. There was no significant differences found in the bird density distribution between plain terrain transects and moderately undulating terrain transects.