Comparative Ethological Study of Pavo cristatus at Riparian Sites in Agra

Abstract

This is the first report on the cognitive ethology of Pavo cristatus with respect to differences in habitat and both qualitative and quantitative analysis, at three types of riparian interfaces in a semi-arid agro-climatic zone. This study has constructed the first ever complete ethogram of Pavo cristatus through the behavior coding software OBSERVER XT by NOLDUS Technologies. Results of statistical analysis of two different sampling methods- focal sampling and scan sampling proved this fact because based on two different tests ANOVA and the Kruskal Wallis test, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. Our study revealed that peafowls in urban interface Sikandra were subjected to different pressures in comparison to those in more natural environments at Dayalbagh and Shahjahan Gardens interface, resulting in deviations from standard behavior patterns. Water bathing and tool use were behaviors unique to Dayalbagh peafowls. Riparian interface Shahjahan Gardens was the most optimum and conducive site as evident from optimal display of all behaviors and least effect of 2019 harsh conditions. Peafowls were least vigilant, spent least energy in acquiring food and displayed minimum conflict indicating that they were relatively stress- free in this interface. Seven distinct types of vocalizations were identified in which two calls Pe-kow and Chlich are being reported for the first time. This is the first ever acoustic analysis of peafowls vocalizations through the software MATLAB. Pavo cristatus should be studied intensively with modern conservation and research paraphernalia to monitor and acquire its ethological data as a model indicator species of this region. Citizen science concept should be deployed to enrich the scope of data collection. and predict behavior in order to mitigate any unforeseen or expected climatic and anthropogenic ill-effects. It is imperative that we adopt this non-invasive methodology for better management and welfare of our national bird. newline newline newline