CC SR 20220517 03 - Peafowl Census 2022
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/17/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to review the 2022 Peafowl Census Report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the 2022 Peafowl Census Report; and
(2) Direct Staff to continue pausing the peafowl trapping program for 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs associated with the preparation of the peafowl census
report for 2022, which occurred in March 2022, is included in the
Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget under the Code Enforcement program
for Professional Services.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number: N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Rudy Monroy, Code Enforcement Officer RM
REVIEWED BY: Ken Rukavina, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2022 Peafowl Census Report (Page A-1)
B. Public Comments (Page B-1)
BACKGROUND:
On August 4, 2015, the City Council adopted the Peafowl Management Plan (PMP), a
City-initiated plan to humanely manage the peafowl population within the City. This is
achieved by reducing and maintaining the peafowl population to the levels identified in
the 2000 Peafowl Census Report (134 total birds, citywide). The PMP supports the
coexistence of peafowl within the semi–rural character of the City by:
● Encouraging public education and deterrent measures; and
● Humanely trapping and relocating up to 150 birds per year to maintain the 2000
peafowl population.
1
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
On June 1, 2021, the City Council voted to reinstate the trapping program for one season
only in light of the increased peafowl population in two out of the six program
neighborhoods, Vista Grande and Sunnyside Ridge , up to a maximum of 50 birds.
The City Council this evening is being asked to consider receiving and filing the peafowl
census conducted in March 2022 and to determine whether the trapping program should
resume or pause for 2022.
DISCUSSION:
2021 Peafowl Trapping Program
Peafowl traps are placed in the enclosed rear yard of various private residences for
approximately two-week periods. As required in the PMP, the birds trapped are collected
by the City’s vendor, Wildlife Services, within 24 hours. The 50 birds trapped during 2021
included 25 males and 25 females. The peafowl are then relocated to ranches in San
Diego, Ventura, Kern and Santa Barbara counties. The table below summarizes and
compares the number of birds trapped by neighborhood between the 2015 and 20 21
trapping periods (trapping did not occur in 2020 and in 2021 trapping only occurred in the
Vista Grande and Sunnyside Ridge neighborhoods).
Peafowl Trapping Summary Count
Year Grandview Vista
Grande Crestridge Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge Monaco Total
2015 24 48 27 27 24 0 150
2016 1 82 7 8 54 0 152
2017 0 44 0 0 20 48 112
2018 0 39 0 12 12 1 64
2019 0 34 10 1 14 2 61
2021 n/a 25 n/a n/a 25 n/a 50
Total 25 247 44 48 124 51 589
2022 Peafowl Census Report
Pursuant to the PMP, each year, the City is required to conduct a census survey to assess
the current peafowl population trends and determine whether trapping should resume.
This year’s peafowl census survey was conducted by the City’s vendor, Wildlife Services,
between February 27 and March 13, 2022. The census was conducted based on two
types of observations, which include roosting peafowl in trees at sunrise, and the second
using a systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon to evening hours to count
peafowl.
2
Attached to this report is a detailed description of the census count (Attachment A). It
should be noted that there may be an undercount of approximately 10% due to breeding
females and limited physical access. The tables below summarize the recent census
results, tracks the annual census results since 2014, and compares the 2022 census with
the 2014 baseline.
Continued on the next page
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Peafowl CountCensus Year
2022 Peafowl Census Summary
Grandview Vista Grande Crestridge
Monaco Portuguese Bend Sunnyside Ridge
3
r r
2022 Peafowl Census Summary Table
Grandview Vista
Grande Crestridge Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge Total
2022 Males 1 24 1 1 28 15 70
2022 Females 0 17 1 1 28 23 70
2022 1 41 2 2 56 38 140
2021 2 55 5 4 54 61 181
2020 4 25 3 3 43 43 121
2019 0 40 11 4 45 36 136
2018 1 40 3 3 46 37 130
2017 0 42 9 22 40 37 150
2016 4 82 13 n/a 52 57 208
2014 Census 17 71 41 n/a 85 64 278
Difference
b/t 2014 and
2022
-16 -30 -39 n/a -29 -26 -138
Difference
(%)
b/t 2014 and
2022
-94% -42% -95% n/a -34% -40% -49%
Difference
(%)
b/t 2021 and
2022
-1% -14% -3% -2% +2% -23% -41%
As depicted in the table above, there has been an overall 49% reduction in the City’s
peafowl population compared to the baseline census conducted in 2014 (a census did
not occur in 2015) pursuant to the PMP.
During the 2019 trapping program, a significant amount of feedback was received from
residents requesting the City discontinue or pause the trapping to allow the population to
stabilize. However, as noted above, in June 2021, the City Council voted to reinstate the
trapping program for one season only in two neighborhoods up to 50 birds.
In light of the lower than usual number of birds counted this year in five of the program’s
neighborhoods (excluding Portuguese Bend), Grandview, Vista Grande, Crestridge,
Monaco and Sunnyside Ridge, Staff recommends that for the following reasons, the City
pause the trapping program for 2022 until the next census is conducted in 2023:
4
• Pausing will allow the peafowl population to remain stable and in line with the
2000 peafowl population.
• Conducting the 2023 census will provide an opportunity to continue to evaluate
the peafowl population data and adjust the program to maintain the peafowl
population in the neighborhoods that have a seen a decline and then to adjust
the program citywide.
• Feedback from the community shows support for the pause in trapping to
ensure a stable population.
• Pausing will reduce Wildlife Services’ by approximately $37,000 in the FY
2022-23 budget.
If the City Council pauses the trapping program for 2022, a census will be conducted in
March 2023. The census result will be presented in spring 2023 for the City Council’s
consideration for 2023.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Comments
Staff received one public comment (Attachment B) regarding the peafowl trapping
program for 2022, in which they were supporting pausing trapping. Staff responded to the
comment that this matter will be considered by the City Council at tonight’s meeting.
Public Notification
The public will be notified of tonight’s agenda item via a listserv message and social
media. Any public comments submitted after the transmittal of this staff report will be
provided to the City Council the night of the meeting as late correspondence.
Reported Aggression Towards Peafowl
On April 12, 2022, the City received reports of a peacock that was repeatedly shot with
an air gun near Lobrook Drive. This type of activity is illegal and contrary to the City’s
policy of managing peafowl in a humane way.
The California Penal Code Section 597(a) makes it a crime to intentionally maim, mutilate,
torture, wound, or kill a living animal. Violation of CPC §597(a) can result in three years
in a state prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both a prison term and a fine. Discharging
any weapon within City limits is prohibited per Section 9.08.010 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code. To report discharge of weapons, contact the Lomita Sheriff’s
Station at 310-539-1661. Animal cruelty, as well as injured or deceased animals, can be
reported to L.A. County Animal Care and Control at 562-940-6898 or at
animalcare.lacounty.gov/protecting-animals/.
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CONCLUSION:
In recent years, the peafowl trapping, and accompanying census program have
significantly reduced the peafowl population in the City. Based on the reasons stated
above, Staff recommends to pause trapping for 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions (or some
combination thereof) are available for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Identify alternatives to trapping for Staff to research, and for the City Council
to consider at a future meeting.
2. Direct Staff to reinstate peafowl program for 2022 on a per request basis in
the Portuguese Bend neighborhood only, which saw a slight increase in
peafowl population.
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2022 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Provided by Wildlife Services
This census took place between February 27th and March 13th, 2022. Two types
of observations were used. The first was counting roosting peafowl in trees at
sunrise. The second was using a systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon
to evening hours.
Listed below are the total counts for each of the six neighborhoods canvased.
These numbers represent the minimum number of peafowl inhabiting these
neighborhoods. It is possible that there could be an undercount of up to 10%.
Reasons for this would be breeding age females already nesting, therefore on the
ground in dense vegetation and peafowl occupying deep or gated lots preventing
physical access. With that being said, I am very confident with the accuracy of this
count.
GRANDVIEW 1 1 male
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
PORTUGUESE BEND 56 28 males & 28 females
VISTA GRANDE 41 24 males & 17 females
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 38 15 males & 23 females
MONACO 2 1 male & 1 female
TOTAL COUNT 140
A-1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2021 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Listed below are the dates, times and addresses of each individual
sighting.
GRANDVIEW
2-27 6:11 AM one male 27710 Grays Lake
3-10 zero peafowl seen
Overall total one male
CRESTRIDGE
2-28 6:11 AM one male 5203 Middlecrest
3-10 5:55 AM one male & one female 5201 Middlecrest
Overall total 1 male & 1 female
PORTUGUESE BEND
3-3 5:49 AM one male 21 Limetree
5:50 AM one male & three females 10 Cherry hill
5:56 AM two males & three females 12 Cherry hill
6:06 AM one male 12 Sweet Bay
6:09 AM three males & one female 28 Sweet Bay
A-2
6:10 AM two males & four females 30 Sweet Bay
6:11 AM three males & six females 31 Sweet Bay
6:14 AM one male & one female 32 Sweet Bay
6:18 AM one male & one female 80 Narcissa
6:27 AM one male & one female 20 Cinnamon
6:30 AM two males & two females 12 Cinnamon
6:35 AM one male & one female 1 Thyme
6:40 AM one male 33 Narcissa
6:44 AM one male 6 Figtree
6:46 AM one male 30 Narcissa
7:02 AM one male 3 Kumquat
7:05 AM one male 3 Pomegranate
Total 24 males and 23 females
3-12 4:57 PM two males & two females 10 Pepper tree
5:10 PM two males & three females 3 Pomegranate
5:13 PM one male & two females 12 Cherry Hill
5:15 PM two males & one female 14 Limetree
5:18 PM two males & five females 6 Sweet Bay
5:21 PM four males 15 Sweet Bay
5:22 PM two males & two females 26 Sweet Bay
5:30 PM two males 72 Narcissa
5:35 PM one male & 4 females 82 Narcissa
5:37 PM two males & two females 84 Narcissa
A-3
5:39 PM two males & two females 2 Cinnamon
5:44 PM three males & two females 20 Clover tree
5:56 PM three males & three females 1 Thyme
Total 28 males and 28 females
Overall total 28 males & 28 females
VISTA GRANDE
3-11 4:47 PM one male 28519 Cedarbluff
4:50 PM one male 6812 Eddinghill
4:57 PM one male 28431 Rothrock
4:58 PM one male 28503 Rothrock
4:59 PM one male 28617 Rothrock
5:04 PM one male 6902 Mycroft
5:05 PM one male 28027 Ambergate
5:06 PM one male 27907 Ambergate
5:12 PM one male 6926 Maycroft
5:14 PM one male 7002 Brookford
5:15 PM three males & six females 6957 Brookford
5:15 PM one male 6949 Brookford
5:18 PM one male 28263 Trailriders
5:22 PM two males 6902 Larkvale
A-4
5:23 PM one male 6902 Hedgewood
5:26 PM one male 28357 Blythewood
5:43 PM four females 28310 Braidwood
5:47 PM two males & one female 28073 Braidwood
5:48 PM one male 28058 Braidwood
5:50 PM one male 28221 Lobrook
5:52 PM one male 28074 Braidwood
6:04 PM six females 28310 Trailriders
Total 24 males & 17 females
3-2 5:53 AM one male 6902 Ambergate
5:59 AM one male & one female 7016 Brookford
6:00 AM one male & one female 6948 Brookford
6:04 AM two males 6924 Brookford
6:07 AM one male 28222 Trailrider
6:10 AM one male 6310 Larkvale
6:12 AM six males & four females 28310 Trailriders
6:14 AM two females 6911 Hedgewood
6:20 AM one male 6923 Starstone
6:21 AM one male 28013 Clovercliff
6:28 AM one male 28254 Blythewood
6:30 AM one male 28703 Trailriders
6:32 AM two females 28314 Rothrock
A-5
6:34 AM one male & two females 28428 Cedarbluff
6:36 AM two females 28113 Hazelridge
6:42 AM one male 28133 Braidwood
6:44 AM two females 6760 Ambergate
Total 19 males and 16 females
OVERALL TOTAL 24 MALES & 17 FEMALES
Sunnyside Ridge
3-01 6:01 AM one male 4 Cayuse
6:02 AM three males & four females 3 Cayuse
6:14 AM two males & four females 24 Stallion
6:18 AM one female 93 Headland
6:21 AM one male 73 Headland
6:26 AM three males & twelve females 2615 Sunnyside
6:27 AM one male 2564 Sunnyside
6:28 AM one male 2519 Sunnyside
6:32 AM one male 28024 PVDE
6:34 AM one male & one female 28036 PVDE
6:35 AM one male 27990 PVDE
Total 15 males and 22 females
A-6
3-09 5:01 PM one male & two females 93 Headland
5:12 PM one male & two females 75 Headland
5:18 PM two males 28345 PVDE
5:25 PM three males & three females 2615 Sunnyside
5:31 PM three males & three females 2628 Sunnyside
5:34 PM two males and three females 28010 Stonegate
5:36 PM three females 28024 Stonegate
5:45 PM two males & two females 28032 Stonegate
5:50 PM five females 24 Stallion
Total 14 males & 23 females
OVERALL TOTAL 15 MALES & 23 FEMALES
Monaco
2-28 6:02 AM one male 30215 Rhone
Total 2 males & 2 females
3-13 5:42 PM one male 30215 Rhone
5:55 PM one female 6629 Laurtec
Total 1 male & 1 female
Overall Total 1 male & 1 female
A-7
GRANDVIEW 1 1 male
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
PORTUGUESE BEND 56 28 males & 28 females
VISTA GRANDE 41 24 males & 17 females
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 38 15 males & 23 females
MONACO 2 1 male & female
TOTAL COUNT 140
A-8
A-9
1
Rudy Monroy
From:Gerri Whitten
Sent:Monday, May 9, 2022 4:03 PM
To:Rudy Monroy
Subject:FW: Peacocks
From: Rudy Monroy <rmonroy@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2022 5:22 PM
To: marcialewis45@icloud.com
Cc: Gerri Whitten <gwhitten@rpvca.gov>; Ken Rukavina <krukavina@rpvca.gov>; CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
Subject: RE: Peacocks
Good afternoon, Marcia.
Thank you for your concerns in regard to the City’s peafowl population. As you know City Council will be
reviewing the 2022 Peafowl Census Report to consider pausing or reinstating peafowl trapping for 2022. This
recommendation is based on the results of this year's peafowl census. As with previous census reports, the
2022 census report has concluded and will be posted on the City's webpage next week and a listserv message
will be distributed. In terms of relocation, this is done humanely to homes off the Palos Verdes Peninsula
where they can thrive. These homes are screened and vetted to ensure safety and adequately accommodate
the birds.
For any additional questions please feel free to contact Code Enforcement Staff directly. Below are helpful
links to stay updated with upcoming City Council Meetings, agendas and all peafowl related information.
Peafowl - https://www.rpvca.gov/337/Peafowl
Notify Me - peafowl listserv
Meetings / Agendas - https://www.rpvca.gov/agendas
Rudy Monroy
Code Enforcement Officer
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
D (310) 544-5296
rmonroy@rpvca.gov
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain privileged or otherwise confidential information. If you
are not the intended recipient, or believe that you may have received this communication in error, please
advise the sender via email and delete the email you received.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcia Lewis <marcialewis45@icloud.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2022 11:17 AM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
B-1
2
Subject: Peacocks
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Please preserve the peacock population, allowing them to safely remain in reasonable numbers in the Palos
Verdes peninsula and surrounding areas. When reducing the population, please safely and humanely relocate
them to other areas where they can thrive.
Thank you.
Sent from my iPhone
B-2