A preliminary report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) on the death of more than 30 peacocks and peahens pins the cause of death in most cases as excessive use of pesticides. The large scale death of peacocks in Adesar sanctuary area in Kutch in September caused an uproar amongst wildlife enthusiasts, who suspected villagers had poisoned grains fed to 15 peahens and as many peacocks. "The report of two to three samples is yet to arrive," said an FSL official, "The entire report will be submitted soon." Wildlife safari operator and conservator Mujahid Malik says the state needs to swing into action immediately. "Excessive use of pesticides is not just harmful for terrestrial wildlife, it is impacting aquatic life as well," he said. "The rain washes the pesticides into rivers and lakes, where it impacts fish, frogs and turtles and upsets the entire ecosystem. Farmers are put under pressure to use pesticides to have an abundant harvest. The government needs to advise them on the correct right use pesticide and its side-effects."

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