Every 20th of March, we observe World Sparrow Day to raise public awareness and shield the much-loved house sparrows from declining in number. The Nature Forever Society of India and the Eco-Sys Action Foundation of France first introduced this initiative. The primary motive was to dedicate a day to the house sparrow, with the purpose of spreading the word about its protection. Its commencement dates back to 2010, with the 2022 theme being “I love sparrows”.
The importance of this day lies in the fact that it serves as a platform to highlight the critical situation of sparrows, a bird on the brink of extinction. House sparrows were once commonly seen fluttering around our gardens, but due to the reduction of biodiversity and natural habitats in recent years, spotting a house sparrow has become a rare occurrence. The day brings attention to the critical need for sparrow conservation and the preservation of urban biodiversity.
The Ubiquity of House Sparrows
The modest house sparrow is among the most ubiquitous and familiar species worldwide. This avian family is quite diverse, with twenty-six distinct species, excluding the house sparrow. These various species inhabit three major continents – Asia, Africa, and Europe, indicating their widespread presence.
Causes Behind Declining Sparrow Population
The plummeting numbers of sparrows are concerning, and several factors are contributing to this problem. Elevated levels of pollution, rampant urbanization, global warming, and dwindling ecological resources are among the many issues pushing these tiny creatures towards extinction.
A Look at Sparrow’s Characteristics
The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) holds the title of being the most widespread and frequently seen wild bird worldwide. European settlers initially dispersed this species, and currently, it enjoys a massive geographical range, covering two-thirds of the world’s landmass.
Its presence is noted in regions such as New Zealand, Australia, North America, India, and Europe. However, a few areas remain untouched by this bird’s existence, including China, Indochina, parts of Siberia and Australia, Japan, and tropical expanses in Africa. The sources from which this information was obtained include Mint.
