Peacock seen at 6,500 feet in Uttarakhand, likely sign of climate change, say experts

A rare sighting of a peacock in the mountainous regions of Bageshwar in the Kumaon Himalayas has baffled wildlife experts as the bird is usually found in lowland forests and warmer plains. Experts said peacocks are usually found at altitudes up to around 1,600 ft above sea level. However, this week, it was spotted in a forest near Bageshwar, which has an elevation of around 6,500 ft, making the bird's presence here an unusual occurrence.

Local residents had first noticed the presence of the bird in Kafligair (over 5,200 ft), around 30km from Bageshwar, where a peacock was sighted two months ago. The forest department thereafter set up camera traps to monitor the area and gather more information about its presence.
Experts are investigating whether this is an isolated event or part of a broader environmental shift, indicative of the impact of climate change on wildlife. Wildlife researchers say that the sighting can be a possible indicator of ecological changes affecting animal migration and habitats.
B S Adhikari, a scientist from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, said, "This is no doubt an abnormal event. Peacocks are known to reside in plains and forested areas. Their presence in mountainous regions may indicate climate or environmental changes, which requires detailed investigation."

Shyam Singh Karayat, a ranger with the Bageshwar forest department, added, "Due to shifts in weather patterns and habitat changes, animals are beginning to venture into new territories. It's possible the bird moved to higher altitudes in search of food or water."