Four arrested for peacock poaching in Rajasthan’s Pali

Four men were arrested in Rajasthan’s Pali district for allegedly hunting and killing a peacock, India’s national bird , after forest department officials intercepted their vehicle during a late-night patrol in the Kumbhalgarh forest range . The team stopped the suspicious car around 9 pm on Tuesday and, upon inspection, found the carcass of a peacock , along with gunpowder, lead pellets and four knives, indicating that the bird had been hunted using crude weapons. The accused, Sujal Valmiki, Lucky, Bunty and Govind Solanki, were taken into custody, produced before a court on Wednesday and remanded to judicial custody .

The incident has drawn attention because the peacock is not just another wild bird but a symbol deeply connected to the country’s culture, heritage and biodiversity. Declared the national bird in 1963, the Indian peafowl is widely found across rural and forest landscapes and holds religious and traditional significance. Because of this status, the species enjoys the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 .

Under the law, the peacock is listed in Schedule I , reserved for the most protected wildlife species in India. Hunting, killing, capturing or trading the bird or any of its body parts is treated as a serious criminal offence. Those found guilty of poaching can face three to seven years of imprisonment along with heavy fines. Even the possession or sale of feathers obtained illegally is punishable, and only naturally shed feathers are permitted under regulated conditions.

Although the bird is currently classified as “Least Concern” in conservation terms and remains commonly seen in many parts of the country, officials warn that localized threats persist. Poaching, illegal trade, pesticide poisoning and habitat destruction continue to put pressure on populations. Wildlife authorities say such incidents underline the need for stronger vigilance and public awareness.

Forest teams in Rajasthan have intensified patrols and surveillance to curb illegal hunting and protect wildlife. Officials stressed that harming the national bird is not only illegal but also an offence against the country’s natural heritage, and strict action will be taken against those involved in wildlife crimes.