Peafowl Population by Country 2024

Peafowl, known for their stunning plumage and majestic displays, are among the most recognizable birds in the world. There are three species of peafowl: the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), and the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis). These species are distributed across various countries in Asia and Africa, each adapting uniquely to their environments. Globally, the estimated population of peafowl ranges from about 1.03 million to 1.57 million individuals, with the Indian Peafowl being the most numerous due to its widespread habitat and successful conservation efforts in several countries.

Despite their resilience, peafowl populations are affected by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. Understanding the distribution and population sizes of these birds can help in crafting effective conservation strategies to protect them. In this article, we explore the peacock population by species and identify the countries where these beautiful birds thrive the most.

Peafowl Population by Species

• Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus): This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, found in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, with a population of 1 to 1.5 million. It thrives in forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas due to its adaptability and cultural significance.

• Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus): Inhabiting Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, China, and Indonesia, this species prefers dense forests and riverine environments. With a population of around 20,000 to 50,000, it faces threats from habitat destruction and hunting, making it less common and vulnerable to extinction.

• Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis): Native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this elusive species has a population of 10,000 to 20,000. Its limited range and dense habitat make it difficult to study, making it one of the least known peafowl species.

Top 5 Countries with the Most Peafowl

1. India: ~1 million to 1.3 million
2. Pakistan: ~10,000 to 50,000
3. Sri Lanka: ~15,000 to 30,000
4. Myanmar: ~5,000 to 10,000
5. DR Congo: ~10,000 to 20,000

India holds the largest population of peafowl, particularly the Indian Peafowl, due to its cultural reverence for the bird, which has led to strong protection measures and habitat availability. The peafowl is the national bird of India and enjoys a relatively safe status in many parts of the country. Pakistan and Sri Lanka also have significant populations of Indian Peafowl, though on a smaller scale compared to India.

Myanmar, home to the Green Peafowl, is one of the few countries where this species has a notable population. However, the Green Peafowl’s numbers are declining due to habitat loss and hunting. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only country where the Congo Peafowl is found. Its population remains low due to limited range and environmental threats, making it a priority for conservation efforts.

Disclaimer
The data on peafowl populations by country is based on estimates and should be considered approximate. Factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and conservation measures can significantly affect these numbers. As such, the figures provided here are subject to change and should be used as a general guide rather than precise counts. Conservation efforts and further studies are essential to obtaining more accurate data and ensuring the protection of these magnificent birds.

FAQs

• Which country has the highest population of peafowl?
  • India has the highest population of peafowl, with around 1 to 1.5 million Indian Peafowl.

Learn More

• Peacock | Facts & Habitat | Britannica
• Wikipedia – Peafowl