Study the most influential factors of human- peacock conflicts in rural areas in Sri Lanka; A case study in Wewere GND, in Kandy District.

Abstract

The peacock is an omnivorous animal which is already identified as the top agro- pest in Sri Lanka. As a conserved wildlife species, peacocks are usually found outside forest reservations since they get their food requirement fulfilled through grains and small insects in the agricultural fields. There has been a huge increase in peacock populations over the past five years in Sri Lanka. However, farmers in the study area are suffering as the peacock attacks on their crops damaging the produce. Wewere GND is selected for this study as there was high consumption of land for agriculture in Kandy District. The main object of this research is to identify the most influential factors of human – peacock conflict in the study area. The methodology of the research was a mixed method under the human – ecological approach. Random sampling method used to collect primary data from 30 farmers in study area. Google Earth pro and Arc GIS 10.5 software used to analyze the land cover changes in the Wewere GND. The results were represented with maps, charts, graphs, tables using MS Excel. The results revealed that the most influential factor to this problem is reducing the land cover due to the mismanagement of the land. Lack of predators for peacocks and, the religious-cultural aspects based with peacocks increase the peacock population. The management of agricultural system must be carried on the sustainable approach and related authorities should pay attention to minimize the severe problem.