Spring 2019 Tropical Conservation Internship
Photo by: Will Greene
Peacocks, or peafowls, are a common feature in neighborhoods around Coconut Grove, FL, but previous research reveals a conflict between residents over the peacock's presence. Some residents are fond of the peacocks, enjoying their presence around their homes. Other residents claim peacocks are a nuisance that creates traffic jams, destroys property, and causes waste and noise.
Male Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus.
Using The Kampong as a base, my partner, Cynthia Fussell and I, estimated current and historical populations of peacocks in Coconut Grove. Our goal was to create a timeline of introduction and population trends and examine social perceptions of peacocks among residents of the neighborhood.
The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Historical Research Methods and Results
To create a timeline of the peacock's origins in Coconut Grove, we went to the HistoryMiami Museum. We checked postcards, magazines, books, and New Herald articles and interviews, looking for a date when peacocks arrived. Unfortunately, we were not able to find that information or who introduced them to Coconut Grove.
HistoryMiami Museum.
Postcard: Two peacocks at Bascom's Tropical Bird Heaven in 1958.
Ecological Research Methods
To estimate the current population of peacocks, we divided Coconut Grove's 33133 zipcode into eight transects (692 football fields of observations). We biked those transects conducting observational surveys about canopy cover, weather conditions and peacock behavior, density, gender, and their interactions with property and humans.
Coconut Grove 33133 zipcode divided into eight transects.
Cynthia, Adrian, and I on our first field day.
Cynthia and I looking for peacocks in Coconut Grove.
Dr. Anderson, one of our project mentors, posing with a male peacock.
Ecological Research Results
Photo by: Will Greene
Female peafowl.
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Average density of peacocks: one every two football fields.
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Total density estimate: 596 peacocks.
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Sex ratio: 2:1 (female to male)
Photo by: Will Greene
Male peafowl.
Social Perceptions Research Methods
To examine the social perceptions of peacocks among the community of Coconut Grove, we interviewed the residents through electronic surveys. To complete these interviews, we applied for the International Review Board since our project involved human subjects. We divided these surveys by demographic group: tourists, residents, and key informants (focused mainly on resident surveys).
Before conducting the interviews, we predicted that the community was going to be divided equally in half: pro vs. anti Peafowl).
Social Perceptions Research Results
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Half of the general population was pro Peafowl, while the other half was anti Peafowl.
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Half of the residents claimed that peacocks caused problems around the neighborhood, while the other half voted that peacocks didn't pose any threats.
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60% of the residents claimed that peacocks brought benefits to the community.
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40% of the residents claimed that peacocks did not bring any benefits to the community.
Tropical Conservation Internship Symposium
When the Spring 2019 semester was over, Cynthia and I presented our research project on the Tropical Conservation Internship Symposium at The Kampong.
Cynthia and I presenting our project at the symposium.
From left to right: Adrian, Dr. Anderson, Cynthia, I, and Dr. Baraloto at the symposium.
Spring 2019 Tropical Conservation Interns and Mentors at the symposium.
Reflection
Nadia, Cynthia and I looking for peacocks on a Coconut Grove neighborhood.
Dr. Anderson, Cynthia, Gabriel (our new partner), and I looking for peacocks at the Vizcaya Museum.
The Tropical Conservation Internship has been an exceptional and fun experience that allowed me to do fieldwork while biking stablished transects doing surveys. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside great partners, Cynthia Fussell and Gabriel Batista, and for being carefully guided by our incredible mentors: Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, Dr. Christopher Baraloto, Adrian Figueroa, and Nadia Seeteram.
This internship increased my professional confidence by expanding my communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacities while working in a professional setting. It also enhanced my research qualifications, preparing me better for future investigations as an aquatic veterinarian.
The Tropical Conservation Internship allowed me to interact with professionals in the science field and gain new connections. I had the opportunity to attend discussions about science-related topics that introduced me to a variety of resources. It also helped me to acquire references and professional mentorship.
I look forward to continuing to participate in this fantastic project alongside my partners and mentors, as we continue to perfect it and gather more data about the introduced peacock population in Coconut Grove.
Male peacock fanning out his feathers as part of a courtship ritual to attract a mate.
Acknowledgments
Funding provided by
Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation
FIU Tropics
Mentors
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson
Dr. Christopher Baraloto
Colleagues/Assistants
Cynthia Fussell
Gabriel Batista
Adrian Figueroa
Nadia Seeteram
Tropical Rivers Lab
Alicia and Samuel
Will Greene
Friends and family