I was saddened to read the news about death of  15 peacocks , found dead at a village in Nashik - Maharashtra , India . When forest officials visited the spot of death , they found 15 carcasses of  Peacock.

One peacock was alive and was taken for treatment at Yeola. Officials said the birds died apparently after consuming some poisonous substance, which may have been mixed with grains, as peacocks often enter the fields of farmers and damage crops. However, the exact cause of death would be ascertained after postmortem, the officials added. Authorities suspect pesticide-mixed food grains to be the cause. Some are saying due to viral disease.

The peacock is the national bird of India. It is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The poaching or hunting of peacocks is banned in the country.

Though the killing of peacocks is prohibited in India, there have been instances, where the birds were killed using pesticide for the collection of the lovely tail feathers.