‘Messy, loud and aggressive’: Outback NT town’s adopt-a-peacock plan to solve pest problem

Animal lovers thinking of adopting a peacock under an exciting new Territory scheme are being warned they can be ‘aggressive’, ‘make a terrible mess’ and ‘sound like they’re screaming’.

Visitors to an outback Territory town could soon be able to drive away with a feathered friend under a unique new scheme designed to solve a uniquely Territorian problem.

The Barkly Regional Council has announced an adopt-a-peacock program to minimise the number of the labrador-sized birds roaming freely around the tiny town of Elliott.

Mayor Jeff McLaughlin said a peacock could make a fabulous addition to any home or business as they not only “look great”, but were “also a really effective guard animal”.

But Mr McLaughlin warned the exquisitely plumed peafowl were not for the faint of heart, warning they could be “aggressive to people”, “make a terrible mess” and “sound like they’re screaming”.

The small Stuart Highway community about midway between Darwin and Alice Springs has a population of 287 according to the 2021 census and Mr McLaughlin estimated there was one peacock for every person in the town.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Barkly community, Elliott local authority and Kuwarrangu Ward councillor Lenny Barton in helping find creative solutions to resolve the peacock problem.

“They’re a big pest in the town and we need a solution that removes their numbers and brings them back to a manageable number,” he said.

A wild peacock struts its stuff along the side of the Stuart Highway. Picture: Jason Walls

“They have been aggressive to people, they make a terrible mess and they sound like they’re screaming so we’re trying to separate the cocks from the hens to reduce their numbers.”

Unlike those that want to reduce crocodile numbers by shooting them in a managed cull, Barkly Council is taking a more nuanced approach.

It’s calling on tourism and other businesses as well as individuals who want a peacock on their premises to register their interest in adopting one or more of the birds - not that that would really work for crocs.

“There’s been a huge spike in their numbers and the town is growing concerned that they’re getting out of control,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“We need a managed way of reducing their numbers by separating the males from females but it’s something we have to manage sensitively.

“They look great but they’re also a really effective guard animal because the aggression and the noise they make.”

To register interest in adopting a peacock contact Barkly Regional Shire at reception@barkly. nt.gov.au