Addressing the Peacock Overpopulation Issue in Elliott
- In summary: Elliott, a remote NT town, is currently dealing with an abundance of feral peacocks and peahens.
- Local residents have expressed concerns about the birds’ excessive droppings, loud squawking, and overall nuisance behavior.
- To address this issue, the regional council has successfully relocated 26 of the birds and is awaiting the completion of their nesting period before further action.
For those interested in owning a pet peacock, the small outback community of Elliott presents an opportunity.
Situated along the Stuart Highway, approximately 700 kilometers south of Darwin, Elliott, with its population of around 290 residents, has been grappling with a growing population of feral peacocks and peahens.
Despite the usual admiration associated with these majestic creatures, the feral peafowl in Elliott have become a source of frustration for the locals.
In response to the peafowl predicament, the town has introduced an innovative solution through its new adopt-a-peacock program.
A number of peafowl have established themselves in Elliott’s trailer park.(ABC News: Lillian Rangiah)
The Enigmatic Arrival of Feral Peafowls
Feral peafowls have surprisingly settled in various locations across Australia, where they are notorious for their aggressive behavior in Darwin and serve as a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to pet chickens at a secluded WA roadhouse.
However, the journey of how these peafowls ended up in Elliott remains a perplexing enigma.
Mona Rennie, a Jingili woman and a longtime resident of Elliott, expressed her astonishment, stating, “It was quite unexpected when they initially appeared here. The community was puzzled about the identity of these birds.”
The origins of these feral peafowls in Elliott continue to be a subject of intrigue and curiosity.
Peacock population control program
### Jingili Woman Mona Rennie’s Encounter with Peafowls in Town
Jingili woman Mona Rennie vividly recalls the arrival of peafowls in town, a sight uncommon in their native Indian and Sri Lankan forests. These majestic birds have thrived in the outback, with their population growing significantly over time.
### Peafowl Population in Elliott
In Elliott, the peafowl population once boomed, with estimates ranging from 150 birds to as few as seven. Presently, the Barkly Regional Council reports approximately 30 peafowls residing in the area, becoming a delightful attraction for tourists and temporary residents like Laura Goldmann.
### The Charm and Challenges of Peafowls
Laura Goldmann, upon her arrival in town, was pleasantly surprised by six colorful peafowls eagerly waiting on her doorstep for food scraps. The presence of these vibrant birds added a unique charm to the town, contrasting with the usual wildlife sightings.
### Peacocks at Mary Ann Dam
Beyond Elliott, peacocks also inhabit Mary Ann Dam near Tennant Creek, NT, showcasing the adaptability of these birds to diverse environments. However, despite their beauty, the peafowls in Elliott have faced criticism due to their disruptive behavior.
### Challenges Faced by Elliott’s Peafowls
Long-time resident Bob Bagnall highlighted a significant issue plaguing the peafowls in Elliott – their tendency to defecate on cars and properties, causing inconvenience to locals. Additionally, the birds have been known to disturb residents by digging up yards and creating noise disturbances at night.
### The Need for a Peacock Population Control Program
To address the challenges posed by the growing peafowl population in Elliott, there is a pressing need for a peacock population control program. By implementing effective strategies, such as habitat management and population monitoring, the community can better manage the presence of these beautiful yet troublesome birds.
Positive Results from Peacock Population Control Program
During a recent meeting with the local council, Mr. Bagnall expressed his concerns, prompting the mayor to launch the adopt-a-peacock programme, seeking individuals and properties willing to provide a caring environment for the peacocks.
To date, the initiative has successfully found new homes for 26 peahens and peacocks in the area.
Currently, the council is in the process of identifying suitable locations for the birds to nest before relocating them.
Managing the Peacock Population in a Remote NT Town
Feral peacocks and peahens have established dominance in the secluded NT town of Elliott, presenting a unique challenge for the locals. This has led to the initiation of a Peacock population control program to address the issue without resorting to culling, a method favored by residents like Venus Roberts, who holds a deep admiration for these birds.
Expressing her sentiment, Roberts stated, “I support the relocation of the peacocks as long as they are not harmed in the process.”
The Barkly Regional Council’s chief executive, Ian Bodill, emphasizes the council’s readiness to assist in managing the peacock population. He reassures the community by stating, “If anyone is interested in relocating peacocks, we are here to offer our support.”
