conservation and breeding of Peacock and Chinkara

December 23: With a view to protect and increase the population of Peacock and Chinkara in Haryana, the State government has chalked out an ambitious plan to set up an integrated project for conservation and breeding of Peacock and Chinkara and it would be developed over 70 acres of land.

While giving this information here today Finance and Environment Minister Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav said that the purpose of this project was to conserve peacock and chinkara by breeding and soft release in their natural and undisturbed habitat.

He said that since the habitat of both the species was same a fenced breeding centre might be set up and developed the suitable area of their natural habitat for integrated conservation of both the species in same place.
While referring the breeding of peafoul Capt. Yadav said that breeding of peafoul would be encouraged in three closed aviaries within the fenced area where as Chinkaras would be conserved in the open fenced area. About 8 acres of land would be used for peafoul aviaries and a control room would also be set up to maintain a close look on them. He further said that 20 acres would be used for growing feed for chinkaras.

Apart from this 40 acre of land would be used for breeding of chinkara . Besides, five acre of land would be used for providing infrastructure of staff quarters and tube well etc.
The Minister maintained that during the first year one breeding aviary would be constructed with G.I. chain-link fence while two more would be set up in the second year. These aviaries would be covered from the top also and every aviary would be facilitated with food, water and tree branches for sitting and rest.

He said that suitable breeding habitat would be provided to the peafoul and the aviary would be kept free from all kind of disturbances. The eggs would be hatched by the egg laying females and no artificial method would be opted.

Capt. Yadav said that the strict vigil would be kept on the activities of the birds within aviary through CCTVs and at least four cameras would be fixed in one aviary and activities like hatching eggs, rearing up of chicks and their behavior would be monitored by recording their activities or live in computer monitor. Their general health would also be monitored by the veterinarian.

The Minister informed that when the chicks are one year old they may be released in their natural habitat. Their activities would be closely watched for few days by putting chips somewhere in their legs. During the first few days they may be provided with artificial feed which should be reduced day after day so that they could adopt their original environment.
He further stated that De-worming of all birds would be carried out at regular intervals as per advice of veterinarian. All records regarding spread of disease would be maintained. He said that breeding center would be regularly visited by veterinary surgeon and the blood samples would be taken and examined.