However, wildlife expert Harsh Vardhan, secretary of the Rajasthan Wildlife and Tourism Council, said the birds lived in an area of Jaipur where residents cared for them and had built bird baths. While ruling out drought and water shortages, Vardhan said it was likely the birds died because of some toxic substance. Last year, at least 90 peacocks died in Rajasthan, many due to toxic substances, Sahai said. The peacock, India's national bird, is protected by wildlife protection laws. Despite stringent laws, the number of peacocks in India has dwindled sharply.
Poachers kill the birds for their bright blue-green plumes, which are used to make fans and jewelry.