No Country For the Good Old Sparrows

This World Sparrow Day, let's help their numbers go just one way, up!

"I remember when I was young, there was a big Mulberry tree in front of our house. Every morning our morning alarm was the melodious chirping of hundreds of Sparrows on that beautiful tree. Now, sadly, we wake up to gthe grating and croaky sounds of the Metro construction. Difficult to believe that it was real life." -Praveen, Homemaker

             Picture by- Rahul Sharma, PhD.(Botany)

20th March every year is World Sparrow Day and this just made us thinking how we humans have forgotten our beloved bird and have unknowingly, destroyed them and their homes. It's national shame how the beautiful sparrows are in the list of endangered species and are now almost going extinct along with other species like the Vultures, Elephants and also the Ganges Dolphins.

Sparrows- The chirpiest bird we love!

Sparrows for long have been seen making homes wherever we, the humans, have situated our houses. But as a grave fact, sparrow population has been decreasing in many areas across the world. The cause is still not clear, but it is yet hotly debated! The numbers were overwhelming in all the Indian cities, towns & villages, unfortunately that is not the case any longer.

As we move towards being a high-tech and developing country with every 'concrete' step, we have invaded into the the natural habitats of the flora and fauna around us.

A prominent Wildlife Conservationist, Prerna Panwar from Wildlife Conservation Trust, India, explains,"Rapid urbanization and all-pervasive use of pesticide has contributed in the decline of the house sparrow population. Sparrows never make their nests on the trees. The traditional architecture allowed sparrows to make their nests in holes, roofs, cervices of old houses. But, modern architecture which is all cemented and box-styled, doesn't give provision to them to nest or lay eggs. So, architectural change is also a big reason of their decline."
Along with this Noise pollution, use of mobile phones, use of unleaded petrol are also cited as the main cause of their decreasing number.

Image by- Prerna Panwar, Wildlife Conservation Trust

How you can help?

Thankfully there are some organisations that dedicate their efforts in the conservation of this beautiful bird. You can get in touch with them to do your bit.

1) Nature Forever

Nature Forever Society is a Non-Governmental Organisation, devoted to conserve and raise awareness about this endangered bird, founded by Md. Dilawar with so many initiatives like Help birds in Summer and Ban the catapult. You can follow them on www.natureforever.org

2) Travels & Rentals Lufthansa City Center 
The “Save Sparrow” Program is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Travels & Rentals Lufthansa City Center –a leading Kolkata based travel and tourism organization specializing in Corporate and Leisure travel operations since 1987. They provide free bird feeders to you and also raise awareness. You can contact them at www.savesparrow.com

3) You can make your own small bird feeder and a small house for them and it in your balcony or on your roof. Also, summers have arrived so you can also put a small bowl of fresh water for them.

This World Sparrow Day, let's be more considerate about the little beauties around us, ironically known as Old World Sparrows, and take care of them just like we take care of our electronic gadgets. They are more important. Think about it! Aren't they?