THE recent reports of dozens of peacocks dying in Tharparkar should alarm us all.

These beautifulbirds are a part ofour culture. Sadly, their cries for help are being ignored.

According to the authorities, these deaths are caused by rising temperatures, water shortages, and human disturbance in their habitats. But is that the full truth? Local people claim that more than 70 peacocks have died recently, and the real number may be much higher. Some reports suggest a disease may be spreading, but officials have denied this.

Whether it is disease, hunger, or heat, the result is the same; peacocks are dying in silence, and no one is truly listening to their cries. This is a wildlife problem and a human responsibility.

Why are proper medical check-ups not being done to rule out the possibility of a disease? Why are water and food sources for wildlife not being protected? Why is there no emergency response plan for such deaths? The authorities concerned should act immediately to provide food and clean water, and protect peacock habitats from the damage that is casued by humans. Let us not allow these graceful birds to vanish while we continue to debate the cause.

Muhammad Shahjahan Memon Islamabad