Peacock Deaths on Central Coast: Unraveling the Mystery

Recently, there have been six unexpected peacock deaths reported at Ourimbah. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) suspects that the misuse of pesticides may be the reason behind these tragic incidents. Toxicology reports revealed that the peacocks had ingested bait-like seeds containing two chemicals, brodifacoum, and sulfotep, commonly found in insecticides.

EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, emphasized the dangers of misusing pesticides, stressing that these chemicals are deadly to wildlife and can harm the environment. He urged everyone to be cautious when using pesticides, as reckless actions like this could lead to significant penalties and legal consequences.

To prevent harm to local wildlife, it’s crucial to follow the instructions on pesticide labels carefully. Placing pesticides and baits in areas inaccessible to non-target animals, storing them securely, and disposing of containers properly can make a big difference in safeguarding human health and wildlife.

If you have any information regarding the misuse of pesticides or witness any suspicious incidents, you can contact the EPA at 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au. For more details on the EPA’s role in handling pesticides and ensuring compliance, visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/pesticides/preventing-pesticide-misuse.

Furthermore, if you come across sick or injured birds, you can reach out to the Wildlife Rescue Australia (WRA) hotline at 1300 596 457 for immediate assistance. It’s essential to work together to protect our environment and wildlife by using pesticides responsibly and reporting any misuse promptly.