The rapid pace of urbanization has led to a decline in the house sparrow population over the past few years. As traditional houses are replaced with concrete structures, sparrows’ natural nesting sites are disappearing. “In the past, the chirping of the birds signaled the arrival of morning. They used to play and hop around in courtyards,” recalls Pehru Dahit from Shuklaphanta Municipality-3. “Now, their chirping is rare, and they no longer come to eat leftover grains in the yard.” He notes that sparrows are only seen occasionally these days.
He attributes this decline to rapid urbanization, stating that the lack of nesting spaces has naturally led to a decrease in their numbers. He believes the dwindling sparrow population is a matter of concern. According to ornithologist Hirulal Dagoura, radiation from mobile towers disrupts the it’ ability to navigate, affecting their breeding capacity and even leading to fatalities. “Noise pollution also impacts the birds,” he adds. “Additionally, excessive use of pesticides in fields has been responsible for their deaths.”
Due to pesticide-contaminated insects in farmlands, the birds are also facing food shortages. The rise in predatory threats from crows, cats, and other birds has further contributed to their population decline. Dagoura emphasizes the importance of the birds in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems. He suggests that people should create nesting spaces in their homes and provide food and water on rooftops to help protect them.
To aid conservation efforts, farmers are advised to use pesticides cautiously. Every year, March 20 is observed as World Sparrow Day to raise awareness about their conservation. This year’s theme is “I Love Sparrow.” Organizations working in bird conservation have been actively spreading awareness about the birds. Bird lovers have conducted 20-minute sparrow counts around their homes. In Kanchanpur, conservationists have placed paper nests on verandas and trees to facilitate the birds nesting. Awareness programs, discussions, and interactive sessions have also been organized, particularly among students.
