Indian Peafowl Survey Report

For: Finningley Parish Council

Site Finningley Village, , South

Report Date: September 2019 Report PEA.11.7.2019 Reference:

Surveying Ecologist:

Natasha Estrada, BSc (Hons), MRes, MCIEEM

Peafowl Survey Report September 2019 Finningley Village Finningley Doncaster

Client: Finningley Parish Council Site Name: Finningley Village Grid Reference: SK 67187 99200 Report: Peafowl Survey Report Date of survey: August/September 2019 Surveyed by: Natasha Estrada, BSc (Hons), MRes, MCIEEM

Issue: Revision: Stage: Date: Prepared by: Approved by: Jane Gruber, Natasha Estrada Draft for 15 September 1 - Estrada Ecology MCIEEM, Estrada review 2019 Ltd Ecology Ltd Jane Gruber, Natasha Estrada 16 September 2 n/a FINAL Estrada Ecology MCIEEM, Estrada 2019 Ltd Ecology Ltd

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This report has been prepared for exclusive use of the client, Finningley Parish Council. No part of this report may be reproduced or relied upon without written agreement from Estrada Ecology Ltd.

The contents of this report have been produced with due consideration of current best practice guidance, and in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s (CIEEM) Code of Professional Conduct.

Data within this report is valid for a maximum of eighteen months from the date of the survey. After this period an updated site visit will be required to determine a new ecological baseline.

Acknowledgments and thanks are given to the residents of Finningley for providing information and access to their gardens to aid the survey.

Summary

The survey site, comprising the residential areas of Finningley, Doncaster is dominated by buildings used as domestic dwellings and their gardens for personal enjoyment. Other buildings within the village house local businesses and community facilities. There are also areas of amenity grassland, a village pond, open spaces and public footpaths.

Findings

A total of twenty- two Indian peafowl were recorded throughout the survey period comprising eight adult males, seven adult females and seven juveniles. The population is deemed to be viable (successfully breeding) based on the evidence of peahens with young.

Three roost sites were recorded during the survey, two within private land and a further roost located within a mature tree on the village green.

Options for management of the Indian peafowl population in Finningley village are included herein.

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Contents:

1 Introduction and Background to the Site

2 Indian Peafowl Ecology

3 Socio Dynamics

4 Legislation

5 Survey Methodology

6 Ecological Constraints

7 Survey Results

8 Interpretation and Evaluation

9 Conclusions

References

Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this report and its contents in view of potential ecological constraints to development or the likely presence or absence of species it must only be viewed as a snap-shot in time and, therefore, not be viewed as definitive. Due to external factors, such as seasonality, weather etc. having the potential to affect survey results no liability can be assumed for omissions or changes that may or may not occur after the date this report was produced.

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1 Introduction and Background to the Site

1.1 Estrada Ecology Ltd was commissioned to conduct a survey of the resident feral population of Indian peafowl (Parvo cristatus) within the village of Finningley, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The survey was commissioned at the request of the Parish Council in response to an increasing number of complaints from residents of the village.

1.2 The village of Finningley is located approximately 9.8km south east of Doncaster town centre in South Yorkshire. Land use within the village is predominantly residential with approximately 800 residential dwellings. Other buildings within the curtilage of the village include local businesses and community facilities.

1.3 Outside the village boundary, land use is predominantly agricultural with occasional equestrian facilities.

1.4 Doncaster Airport (Robin Hood) is located adjacent to Finningley lying outside the western elevation.

Figure 1: The survey area

Magic Map

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1.5 Report objectives

• Present the findings of the ecological survey; • Collate and present responses to the desktop survey published by Finningley Parish Council in the August Parish Council Newsletter; • Ascertain, where possible, the current peafowl population level; • Assess the distribution of the peafowl and nest sites if found; • Provide options to attain and manage a sustainable population for Finningley village, considering the size and character of the village.

1.6 Location of the site

1.6.1 The central OS grid reference for the village is SK 67187 99200.

1.7 Site description

1.7.1 The survey site, Finningley village, is approximately 66 hectares in size.

1.7.2 Public open spaces are dominated by amenity grassland with some scattered trees. Public footpaths are lined with areas of scrub and scattered mature and semi- mature deciduous trees.

1.7.3 At the heart of the village there is the village green, an area that consists of a pond with a resident waterfowl population surround by Mature willows (Salix babylonica) and a field layer of amenity grassland.

1.7.4 At the intersection of The Green with the A614 Doncaster Road, there is a small grassed area with a group of semi-mature and mature deciduous trees.

1.7.5 On the north western elevation of the village are playing fields consisting of short sward amenity grassland surrounded by mature and semi-mature trees and scrub.

1.7.6 The village contains a mosaic of properties with a mix of older properties located along Wroot Road and Doncaster Road which contain mature gardens, many of which contain mature trees and shrubs. The southern, south western and north eastern elevations of the village contain newer properties whose gardens appear to be not as established.

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Figure 2: Aerial image of Finningley Village

1.7.7 Boundaries on the perimeter of the village are created predominantly by road networks, some of which could create a hindrance to dispersal of the peafowl population, although they can be crossed. On the western boundary is the fencing to the airport and to the north is a railway line.

2 Indian Peafowl Ecology

2.1 Native to the Indian subcontinent the Indian peafowl (formerly common peafowl) are a member of the pheasant family. The term peacock refers to the male of the species with the females being peahens.

2.2 Peafowl within their natural range inhabit woodlands and forests. However, as a species they are highly adaptable to other environs and are often located near water.

2.3 They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of seeds, grains, berries and some smaller fruits. They also predate insects, slugs, snails, small reptiles, amphibians and small mammals such as mice, shrews and baby rats.

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2.4 Although they are ground nesting birds, they roost at height as an anti- predation strategy, often being found in tall trees and on the roofs of buildings.

2.5 Whilst the species is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent feral populations can be found all over the world. Within the UK the most notable and studied population of Indian peafowl is located within Oxfordshire (Rands 1984). Other notable UK populations are present in Wrexham in North Wales, Southport and Stockport in Lancashire and Ushaw Moor, County Durham.

2.6 Peafowl have been resident within the UK for centuries with some studies suggesting they were introduced by the Romans, whilst others suggest they were introduced in the times of Alexander the Great.

2.7 Current feral populations within the UK are deemed to be a likely result of deliberate release and accidental escapes.

3 Socio dynamics

3.1 The male peafowl form leks, small territorial areas dominated by a single male. During the mating season which in the UK is generally (April to September with the peak period being April to July) the males, gather in groups and compete for females in a process called lekking. They will parade around with their tail plumage aloft to see which male has the best display and so win the mating rights over the available females.

3.2 Females, the peahen and her peachicks are a much duller brown colour, a form of camouflage as they will make ground nests and raise their young as they cannot roost high up. This still leaves them vulnerable to natural predators, in the UK this includes foxes, domestic dogs and aerial attacks from large raptors.

3.3 Post mating, the females leave the lekking sites and nest in tall grasses and shrubs laying five to seven eggs. The eggs are incubated for around 28 days. Peafowl generally lay one clutch of eggs per season, however where a brood fails or in optimum weather conditions a second clutch can be laid.

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3.4 The peahen will normally care for her chicks for between seven and ten weeks beyond which the fledglings then fend for themselves.

3.5 Peafowl in the wild have been known to live for in excess of 30 years whilst the mean age of captive birds is 15 years.

4 Legislation

4.1 General information

4.1.1 Peafowl, being non-native to the UK, are not protected by any UK wildlife protection legislation and are not classed as a wild bird within the UK. Peafowl are not listed on schedule 9 (non-native invasive species) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

4.2 Section 14 ZB of the WCA, as inserted by section 51 of the NERC Act allows the Secretary of State to issue or approve codes of practice on animals which are not ordinarily resident in and are not regular visitors to Great Britain in a wild state and animals or plants included in Schedule 9 to the WCA (e.g. Horticultural Code of Practice). The codes alone cannot be used to prosecute but must be considered by a court in any case in which they appear to the court to be relevant (non-native species secretariat, no date).

4.3 The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.

4.4 The species is covered by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 extended by Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1954 (c. 40) in respect of cruelty to animals.

4.5 Indian peafowl are not listed under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). There are no legal requirements to report road traffic incidents involving the species.

4.6 Section 14 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) prohibits the release to the wild of animals "not ordinarily resident" or that are not regular visitors to Great Britain and other animals listed on Part I of Schedule 9. These provisions are designed to prevent the establishment of non-native species that may be detrimental to our native wildlife.

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5 Survey Methodology

5.1 Desktop survey

5.1.1 To ascertain the opinion of the residents of Finningley on the resident peafowl population, a questionnaire was published in the August village newsletter asking residents to respond to the following comments;

• Have you suffered damage to property from the resident peafowl? • Do you regularly experience the peafowl on your property? • Have you experienced peafowl roosting or feeding within the curtilage of your property? • Do you see any positive benefits of having peafowl in the village? • What are your opinions regarding the resident peafowl population? Are you in favour or against them?

5.1.2 Other comments from residents regarding their personal experiences with the peafowl were also noted. The replies were collated, and the data was compiled into a spread sheet.

5.1.3 Any responses from households who provided their addresses were mapped using Google Earth Pro, a map was produced in order to aid the field survey and identify any hot spots of activity. The locations of respondents have been omitted from this report due to data protection issues.

5.1.4 Further inspection, using colour 1:25,000 OS base maps (www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk), MAGIC (www.magic.defra.gov.uk), aerial photographs from Google Earth, was also undertaken to provide additional context and identify any features of potential importance for the purpose of this report and any findings.

5.2 Field survey

5.2.1 The survey area, Finningley village was divided into three areas with a surveyor located within each of the distinct zones for each of the three surveys. During each survey, all three surveyors met at the village green and dispersed to their survey zone. Any sightings of Indian peafowl

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located on the village green prior to the commencement of the survey were recorded.

5.2.2 Each area was walked by the surveyor and point counts taken when peafowl were sited. To avoid replication of individuals each of the three zones were walked simultaneously by surveyors for a period of three hours.

Figure 3: The survey zones

5.2.3 During the survey individual peafowl were distinguishable due to various distinctive features such as limps, colouration, various stages of moult and peahens with specific numbers of young.

5.2.4 The location of each siting was logged via Geographical positioning systems (GPS) along with specifics of the animal’s sex and age class noted.

5.2.5 Habitats and features with potential to support the species, together with any field signs were recorded on field maps.

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5.3 Timing

5.3.1 The surveys were undertaken over three dates from mid-August to mid- September 2019.

5.3.2 A total of three surveys were undertaken comprising one pre-dawn to dawn, one midday survey and one pre-dusk to dark survey, each for a duration of three hours.

5.4 Weather conditions

5.4.1 The survey was carried out in suitable weather conditions with temperatures averaging 21°C, with no rain and an average 2mph wind speed.

5.5 Personnel

5.5.1 The survey was carried lead by ecologist, Natasha Estrada BSc (Hons), MRes, MCIEEM of Estrada Ecology Ltd; an experienced ecologist of approximately fifteen years and the holder of Natural survey licences, being the named ecologist on several European Protected Species Mitigation Licences. Natasha was assisted by junior ecologists experienced in survey work to maximise results.

6 Ecological constraints

6.1 The gardens of private dwellings were not always accessible for survey. This is not deemed restrictive to robust results as land was often visible from public space or adjacent accessible properties.

6.2 Due to the age of juvenile peafowl, sexing could not be deemed accurate as sex specific markers were not always visible.

6.3 The surveys were undertaken outside the peak breeding season for the species thus nesting sites could not be identified. Due to the highly mobile nature of the species and nesting opportunities within numerous mature gardens in the village it is likely that peahens have several potential nest sites.

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7 Survey Results

7.1 Desktop survey results

7.1.1 A total of fifty-four responses were received from the newsletter mailshot.

7.1.2 Thirty-seven of the respondents were in favour of keeping the peafowl population, thirteen were against and four were neutral with no strong opposition to the population but suggesting population monitoring or a reduction in numbers may be appropriate.

Figure 4: Percentage of responses

7.1.3 Of the thirteen respondents that replied citing negative comments about the peafowl population problems highlighted include;

• Noise (particularly during the breeding season) • Faeces • Garden damage to lawns and vegetation. Two complainants recorded the peacocks are particularly attracted to dark coloured vehicles in which they can see their reflection.

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• Car and property damage (the majority citing aggressive males attacking reflective surfaces such as dark coloured vehicles and windowpanes) • Road hazards • Concerns over animal welfare and lack of veterinary care when required.

7.1.4 Of the thirty-seven residents who responded favourably to the peafowl population, the overwhelming reason was the duration that the peafowl have resided in the village and the character that they bring.

7.1.5 Other favourable reasons include;

• They act as a natural traffic calmer particularly on Wroot Road and Doncaster Road. • 85% of the positive respondents reported they have not endured any damage to their property by the Peafowl.

7.2 Field Survey Results

7.2.1 A total of twenty-two Indian peafowl were recorded throughout the survey as outlined in table 1. The ratio of males to females was recorded as being relatively evenly distributed.

7.2.2 No sub-adult Indian peafowl were recorded throughout the survey period.

7.2.3 During the surveys two peafowl chicks were recorded as absent between the first survey to the final indicating they are now deceased.

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Table 1: Size class assessment

Sex & life stage Abundance

Male (Adult) 8

Female (Adult) 7

Juvenile 7

7.3 Identified roost Sites

7.3.1 Three roost sites were recorded throughout the survey period with distinct male and female roosts identified. Such behaviour is synonymous with females of many species forming maternity roosts which aid protection for their young via enhanced numbers which reduce predation risks.

7.3.2 Females and juveniles were recorded roosting within a mature Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) tree within the rear garden of number 1 Wroot Road, Finningley. A peak count of fourteen individuals were recorded comprising seven adult females and seven chicks.

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Figure 5: The female tree roost located within 1 Wroot Road

7.3.3 Consultation with the property owner indicates that the tree is a regular roost site and used throughout the year. Field sign evidence in the form of droppings and discarded feathers at the base of the tree, on limbs and upon nearby garden furniture indicate long term and historical use of the site as a roost.

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7.3.4 A peak count of four peacocks were recorded roosting within a mature Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) located on the village Green.

7.3.5 The tree is of a suitable height and age to provide cover and shelter from the elements and predation. Smaller deciduous plantings surround the tree enhancing cover and protection.

Figure 6: Peacock roost within the village green

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7.3.6 A peak count of four peacocks were recorded entering land within the curtilage of Manor Farm. Whilst no access into the site was available, the individuals were recorded entering the wider site at dusk and were not recorded leaving the curtilage of the site.

7.3.7 Several barns within the curtilage of Manor farm appear to be open providing access and potential sheltered roosting opportunities on any exposed beams and timbers.

7.4 Distribution of Peafowl (non-roost sites)

7.4.1 Male Indian peafowl were almost exclusively located within land south of Doncaster Road in and around Manor Farm court, Ashley court and in and around the village green throughout the survey period.

7.4.2 Field sign evidence indicates that land to the south of Doncaster Road is used territorially by a peak count of eight adult males.

7.4.3 No interactions between males and females were recorded throughout the survey period and no males were recorded guarding female groups or lone females with young.

7.4.4 The distribution of Indian peahens throughout the survey period was recorded as being predominantly north and east of the village green, along Wroot Road and south of Chapel Lane.

7.4.5 Adult females with young were recorded as being single with no female groups recorded other than during roosting, presumably as an anti- predation strategy.

7.4.6 No Indian Peafowl were recorded on the north eastern elevation of the village around Gatesbridge Park, South west of the village around Blenheim Road or north around Lower pasture and Station Road throughout the survey period.

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Figure 7: Areas of peak Indian peafowl distribution throughout the survey period

Key Symbol No Indian peafowl recorded during the survey period Male territory

Female locations

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7.5 Evidence of damage

7.5.1 Throughout the survey period only sporadic faecal deposits from Indian peafowl were recorded upon roads and boundary features of residential properties. It should be noted that most gardens were inaccessible throughout the survey period.

7.5.2 Faecal deposits were recorded beneath the female tree roost located within the rear garden of number 1 Wroot Road along with several discarded feathers.

Figure 8: Faecal splashing below the female tree roost

7.5.3 Throughout the surveys no Indian peafowl were recorded perching or roosting upon roofs of residential properties and no evidence of faecal splashing recorded which could indicate long- term use of residential roofs for roosting.

7.5.4 Several Indian peafowl were recorded perching on the boundary walls of Manor Farm and properties surrounding the village green immediately prior to dusk.

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Figure 9: Indian peafowl recorded on boundary walls during the survey.

7.5.5 Nine out of thirteen residents who responded to the newsletter information request recorded damage to their cars, and 10 responses cited vegetation damage within their gardens.

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8 Interpretation and Evaluation

8.1 The population of Indian peafowl within Finningley village is deemed to be a viable breeding population as evidenced by mature females with young.

8.2 Land to the south of the village green is deemed to be used by a peak count of eight males using the land for small individual territories.

8.3 Roost sites identified during the surveys include: an all-female roost located within a mature Sycamore in the rear garden of number 1 Wroot Road. Male roosts were recorded as being located within the curtilage of Manor Farm and within a mature tree on the village green.

8.4 Site Carrying Capacity

8.4.1 Finningley is a semi-rural village covering approximately 66 hectares. Habitats within the village and adjacent land including amenity grassland, scrub, mature and semi-mature trees and agricultural land all of which provide suitable foraging and roosting sites for Indian peafowl.

8.4.2 The village pond located to the north of Doncaster road provides an accessible water source for the species to utilise.

8.4.3 Based on the field survey data and the topography of the area it is deemed that the current population of twenty- two individuals is below the carrying capacity of the village. In the absence of any management it is deemed that the population is likely to increase and habitats and resources within the curtilage of the village can support an increase in numbers.

8.5 Natural predation

8.5.1 The natural predation risk within the village is deemed to be low with the main threats being from Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), domestic dogs and road strikes. The threat posed by raptor species is deemed low to negligible due to the locations of nest sites likely to be shielded in relatively busy residential gardens.

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8.5.2 The threat from domestic dogs is deemed low to negligible due to most dogs likely to be on leads in the location of busy main roads adjacent to the areas of Indian peafowl distribution.

8.5.3 The predation risk from red fox is viable, especially when chicks are young and nesting on the ground. However, throughout the survey period young waterfowl were recorded adjacent to the village duck pond along with adults roosting at ground level in exposed areas of amenity grassland. Such behaviour indicates the general threat level is low.

8.5.4 Due to the large and somewhat aggressive nature of adult males particularly during the mating season, the protective nature of females with young and the species roosting at height it is deemed that natural predation factors are not a limiting factor to population numbers.

8.5.5 The risk from road strikes appears to be low. During the survey period several peafowl were recorded crossing both major and minor roads within the village. Drivers were recorded slowing down to allow these individuals to cross.

Figure 10: Indian peacock crossing Wroot Road, Finningley

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9 Conclusions

9.1 Should the parish council decide to employ a management strategy in respect of the Indian peafowl population, several options are available.

9.2 The ‘do-nothing’ option

9.2.1 Should the resident Indian peafowl population of Finningley village be left in situ with no ongoing management then the population is deemed viable and likely to increase.

9.2.2 Based on the 2019 field survey data, seven young have survived to a stage where they have obtained their primary (flight) feathers. Indian peafowl reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age meaning that these young could be sexually receptive for the 2021 breeding season.

9.3 Total removal

9.3.1 Should the favoured option be to remove all the resident population from the village, this should be undertaken by a suitably qualified professional via the use of humane baited trapping.

9.3.2 Agreement and clarification would need to be reached on the proposed receptor site for the population to ensure that it is contained, and peafowl are not allowed to be released or escape into the wild contravening section 14 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

9.4 Selective reduction

9.4.1 Should the parish council wish to reduce the population size; several options are available including:

• Removal of all peahens and chicks to prevent future breeding whilst retained a smaller male dominated population. It should be noted that if this was the favoured option, adult males will still lek and display territorial behaviour including calls during the breeding season. • Removal of 50% of the male and female population. This will reduce the population size for the short term but ongoing management in the form of egg collections annually will be required to manage the population size and prevent increases.

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• Removal of all the adult males. This is likely to decrease the incidences of reported anti-social behaviour in the form of car damage and reported noise disturbance. Ongoing management will be required to remove the male chicks from the 2019 brood once sex selective markers are visible. • Removal of eggs each season to prevent future breeding. This is likely to be a labour-intensive exercise and is reliant on all nest sites being accessible and identifiable.

9.5 Removal of tree roosts

9.5.1 The removal of tree roosts or making the trees identified unsuitable for roosting is deemed to the least favoured option. The village contains numerous mature and semi-mature plantings within its boundary which displaced peafowl are likely to occupy in the absence of traditional roost sites being available.

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References

Rands, M.R.M,(1984), The social organization of feral peafowl (Pavo cristatus). Animal Behaviour, 830-835. http://www.nonnativespecies.org//index.cfm?pageid=67

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