"About 70 peacocks visit my house every day but I only saw six today," said Aijaz Rahimoon, a resident of Hathni village in Diplo. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: Tharparkar's drought and hot weather has started hitting the birds as dozens of peacocks have died in different villages of Diplo taluka - the worst-affected area of the district by the drought this year.



Moreover, hundreds of birds have also fallen sick, the villagers told The Express Tribune on Friday.



"About 70 peacocks visit my house every day but I only saw six today," said Aijaz Rahimoon, a resident of Hathni village in Diplo. "I took pictures of the dead birds on Wednesday and Thursday. I saw several more that are sick and feel that they'll die soon if they are not treated on time."



Dozens of birds visit each house of his village early in the morning. "We serve them wheat and they fly away after taking their share," he recalled. "It is painful for us that our birds are dying. They are like our children."



At least 20 peacocks died on Thursday, including three in Sehni village, three in Padaryo village, four each in Kutani and Galao villages.



The cause of death is still unknown, according to the residents, as the officials have yet to pay them a visit. For now, they fear that the death toll may worsen. "If human beings are dying and aren't being dealt properly, how can we expect a positive response for these birds," Rahimoon complained.



The drought hit the animals in February when hundreds of sheep and goats died in various parts of the desert. After the animals, the deaths of numerous children from malnutrition were reported.



Until they receive help for the dying peacocks, the residents are giving the sick birds common painkillers, such as Disprin and Panadol. "It is the first time I saw dead birds in such large numbers," he claimed.



The government said it is taking all measures to overcome the situation. "The department is well-aware of the situation and officials are visiting the affected villages," said Sindh minister for wildlife and forest Giyan Chand Essarani.



He disclosed that the vaccine is ineffective and cannot save the birds. "Vaccination is not a solution," he told The Express Tribune. "The birds are very weak and we can't afford a second dosage of the vaccine."



According to him, the birds may be dying due to the hot weather and the drought. When they are not given food properly, they will die, he said, adding that proper care can save them. "The villagers shouldn't throw feathers of poultry chicken to them," he said.



Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2014.