Next on our list of rare butterflies is the Luzon peacock swallowtail. This beautiful long-tailed butterfly is native to Luzon, northern Philippines, and has green-black, red, and purple colors.
Peafowl is a common name for two bird species of the genus Pavo and one species of the closely related genus Afropavo within the tribe Pavonini of the family Phasianidae (the pheasants and their allies). Male peafowl are referred to as peacocks, and female peafowl are referred to as peahens.
The two Asiatic species are the blue or Indian peafowl originally from the Indian subcontinent, and the green peafowl from Southeast Asia. The Congo peafowl, native only to the Congo Basin, is not a true peafowl. Male peafowl are known for their piercing calls and their extravagant plumage. The latter is especially prominent in the Asiatic species, which have an eye-spotted "tail" or "train" of covert feathers, which they display as part of a courtship ritual.
The functions of the elaborate iridescent coloration and large "train" of peacocks have been the subject of extensive scientific debate. Charles Darwin suggested that they served to attract females, and the showy features of the males had evolved by sexual selection. More recently, Amotz Zahavi proposed in his handicap principle that these features acted as honest signals of the males' fitness, since less-fit males would be disadvantaged by the difficulty of surviving with such large and conspicuous structures.
The two Asiatic species are the blue or Indian peafowl originally from the Indian subcontinent, and the green peafowl from Southeast Asia. The Congo peafowl, native only to the Congo Basin, is not a true peafowl. Male peafowl are known for their piercing calls and their extravagant plumage. The latter is especially prominent in the Asiatic species, which have an eye-spotted "tail" or "train" of covert feathers, which they display as part of a courtship ritual.
The functions of the elaborate iridescent coloration and large "train" of peacocks have been the subject of extensive scientific debate. Charles Darwin suggested that they served to attract females, and the showy features of the males had evolved by sexual selection. More recently, Amotz Zahavi proposed in his handicap principle that these features acted as honest signals of the males' fitness, since less-fit males would be disadvantaged by the difficulty of surviving with such large and conspicuous structures.
The peacock butterfly is commonly known as the European peacock butterfly. It is a colorful butterfly, found in Europe and winter Asia. It was previously classified as the sole member of the genus Inachis. They often appear in early spring. These butterflies move with their wings spread like peacocks, so they are named peacock butterflies.
Peacocks have long been a part of traditional Mehndi designs due to their cultural significance. The peacock pattern is characterised by its curvy lines and detailed feather motifs. Though it may seem complex, starting with a basic outline and adding feather-like details makes it easier to master. It’s a great choice for those looking to add a unique touch to their Mehndi.
It was just over a month since forest officials seized 12 peacocks from the old city residence of a pet shop owner and slapped cases against him. Sleuths of the anti- poaching squad could not arrest him then, for violation of the Wildlife Act, 1972, by breeding the national bird in captivity. Any action against him now appears quite unlikely.
The assistant conservator of forests (surveillance cell) Kondal Rao has been sent on deputation to Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, whereas the post of forest range officer (anti-poaching) has been lying vacant for over four months. Deputy forest range officer SK Baba Khadir Vali, who led the raid, has been shifted to forest utilisation office. That leaves only two wildlife associates (temporary posts) to enforce the Wildlife Act.
According to sources in the department, the pet shop owner, SA Sohail, who runs Fur and Feathers in Banjara Hills, also had business partnership with Nehru Zoological Park for supply of exotic birds.
Sohail has, according to officials, supplied exotic birds to the zoo and is learnt to have been breeding peacocks, including two pure white peacocks, in the cellar of his house in Mochi Colony, Kalapathar. It is also learnt that those who raided Sohail’s house had come under fire from their bosses and explanation was sought from some in the form of showcause notice. However, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) AV Joseph was unavailable for comments despite repeated attempts.
Officials, based on a tip off, raided Sohail’s residence on May 11 and could not arrest him since he was in Mumbai then. But cases were registered against him under section 9 and 39 of the Wildlife Act, which would get him imprisonment up to 7 years.
“Sohail has come back and is very much in Hyderabad. It is just that no one in the department is showing any interest in following up the case and arrest the offender,” pointed out an official on condition of anonymity.
The anti-poaching squad has been conducting raids and the seizure of 12 peacocks, listed as schedule-1 protected species, was certainly one of their biggest catch till date. Hunting, petting and breeding of any wildlife species listed in schedule I and II can attract imprisonment of three to seven years.
A majestic peacock spreads its impressive feathers wide, soaring beautifully against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Captured in mid-flight, this splendid peacock showcases its vibrant blue and green plumage against the clear sky. The bird's feathers are fully fanned out, displaying the eye-catching patterns that make peacocks a symbol of beauty and pride. The dynamic movement of the peacock is emphasized by the wispy clouds and light-dappled leaves of the trees in the background, creating a scene full of life and natural elegance.
A majestic peacock spreads its impressive feathers wide, soaring beautifully against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Captured in mid-flight, this splendid peacock showcases its vibrant blue and green plumage against the clear sky. The bird's feathers are fully fanned out, displaying the eye-catching patterns that make peacocks a symbol of beauty and pride. The dynamic movement of the peacock is emphasized by the wispy clouds and light-dappled leaves of the trees in the background, creating a scene full of life and natural elegance.