Ban on the Sale and buying of Peacock Feathers in India
The Issue
On the occasion of World Peacock Day (15th November 2025), we, the Nature Enthusiasts and members of the Indian Biodiversity Conservation Society (IBCS), submit this petition to express our deep concern over the continued exploitation of our National Bird-the Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus)-through the illegal trade of its feathers.
Despite being a Schedule-I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, recent incidents reveal that large-scale smuggling of peacock feathers continues unabated. The recent seizure of nearly 500 kilograms of peacock feathers in Pune, Maharashtra, by the forest department exposes the alarming extent of this illegal trade. Such seizures are only the tip of the iceberg, as countless birds may be killed silently across rural landscapes to meet the demand for feathers in decorative markets and religious rituals.
While the law prohibits the hunting or killing of peacocks, the continued legal loophole permitting the sale and possession of shed feathers indirectly fuels poaching. It is nearly impossible to distinguish between naturally shed feathers and those obtained through illegal means. As a result, poachers often kill peacocks and falsely claim the feathers were collected after molting. Molting if scientifically observed is a time taking process that takes 2-3 months for completion and it’s a myth that all feathers are shed at one place by the peacock.
Therefore, we earnestly request the MoEFCC to:
Impose a complete nationwide ban on the trade, sale, and possession of peacock feathers and feather-made products.
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms and penalties under the Wildlife (Protection) Act for those engaged in the illegal collection and sale of peacock feathers.
Promote awareness through national campaigns highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of the peacock as India’s National Bird.
Encourage alternative livelihood programs for communities currently dependent on the feather trade.
The peacock is not merely a symbol of grace and beauty; it represents the spirit of India’s National Symbols. Allowing its exploitation through feather trade undermines both the moral and ecological foundations of wildlife protection in our country.
On this World Peacock Day, we urge the Ministry to take decisive action to ensure that no peacock loses its life for its feathers again.
684
The Issue
On the occasion of World Peacock Day (15th November 2025), we, the Nature Enthusiasts and members of the Indian Biodiversity Conservation Society (IBCS), submit this petition to express our deep concern over the continued exploitation of our National Bird-the Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus)-through the illegal trade of its feathers.
Despite being a Schedule-I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, recent incidents reveal that large-scale smuggling of peacock feathers continues unabated. The recent seizure of nearly 500 kilograms of peacock feathers in Pune, Maharashtra, by the forest department exposes the alarming extent of this illegal trade. Such seizures are only the tip of the iceberg, as countless birds may be killed silently across rural landscapes to meet the demand for feathers in decorative markets and religious rituals.
While the law prohibits the hunting or killing of peacocks, the continued legal loophole permitting the sale and possession of shed feathers indirectly fuels poaching. It is nearly impossible to distinguish between naturally shed feathers and those obtained through illegal means. As a result, poachers often kill peacocks and falsely claim the feathers were collected after molting. Molting if scientifically observed is a time taking process that takes 2-3 months for completion and it’s a myth that all feathers are shed at one place by the peacock.
Therefore, we earnestly request the MoEFCC to:
Impose a complete nationwide ban on the trade, sale, and possession of peacock feathers and feather-made products.
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms and penalties under the Wildlife (Protection) Act for those engaged in the illegal collection and sale of peacock feathers.
Promote awareness through national campaigns highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of the peacock as India’s National Bird.
Encourage alternative livelihood programs for communities currently dependent on the feather trade.
The peacock is not merely a symbol of grace and beauty; it represents the spirit of India’s National Symbols. Allowing its exploitation through feather trade undermines both the moral and ecological foundations of wildlife protection in our country.
On this World Peacock Day, we urge the Ministry to take decisive action to ensure that no peacock loses its life for its feathers again.
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Petition created on 14 October 2025