A survey of house sparrows conducted in 2012 by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) with the Ministry of Environment and Forests has found that while the population of the bird continues to decline in metropolitan cities, in Mumbai, it has been spotted the most.

This was the first nation-wide survey that collected data on house sparrows and saw the participation of 5,655 people in 8,425 locations. The survey report, titled Citizen Sparrow, said, "Sparrows are seen in fewer places now than they were before 2005. Where they are still found, the numbers are lower than earlier and fewer nests are seen. This suggests sparrows have indeed declined and the low number of nests might mean that they are continuing to decline."

Researchers who conducted the survey admit that in India, good studies have not been done on the sparrow's declining numbers. According to the report, the birds were spotted a lot more in rural areas as opposed to urban areas. "This is down to reduced grain spillage and improved storage facilities in rural areas. The use of pesticides and herbicides also has a role to play in the sparrow's decline," said Karthik K, a research fellow at BNHS.

He said that Mumbai has come out on top due to the number of sightings in the city. "These are preliminary figures. We received some 1,800-1,900 reports from 820 participants in Mumbai. Most of those who participated are common people. Around 40 participants were wildlife professionals," he said.

In urban areas, the survival of sparrows is affected by use of pesticides and herbicides in gardens, campuses and parks, Salmonellosis and an increase in air pollution. "Lack of nesting space due to modern architecture can be related to land-use change from agriculture to multi-storeyed buildings. The reduction in the number of open vegetable markets also results in lack of food," Karthik said.

... contd.

ALSO READ Despite notices to housing societies, BMC yet to provide waste collection vehicles

Please read our terms of use before posting comments