DPS RK Puram Campaign to save and enhance awareness about the Common House Sparrow
House Sparrow, once an integral part of our immediate environment, disappeared almost two decades ago. The common bird that lived in the cavities of our houses and polished off our leftover food, today sits on the red list of the endangered species of The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
March 20 being observed as the ‘World Sparrow Day’ and the house sparrow being declared the state bird of Delhi in 2012.
Sparrows are fascinating creatures that play an essential role in both urban and rural ecosystems, and their presence serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.
- Prevents locust attack
- Biodiversity indicator
- Controls insect population
- Helps in Seed dispersal
Sparrow populations have experienced declines in recent years, particularly in urban areas where changes in habitat and food availability have impacted their numbers. Loss of nesting sites, pesticide use, and competition with invasive species are among the factors contributing to sparrow declines. Efforts to conserve sparrows often involve creating suitable habitat, reducing pesticide use, and raising awareness about the importance of these charismatic birds in our ecosystems.
There are various causes for the decline in their numbers: predation, especially by Eurasian Sparrowhawks,electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones,diseases,shortage of nesting spaces in urban areas,inadequate presence of insect food for nestling sparrows,declines in insect populations,substitution of native plants in cities,introduction of unleaded petrol, which produces toxic compounds such as methyl nitrite.
Sparrows build their nests in a variety of locations, including cavities in buildings, trees, and shrubs. The increasingly urban landscape and jungles of concrete in the city are losing out on the sweet chirping of birds, with not enough trees left for the avians to build their nest. Ensuring that the sweet melody returns is possible by artificial nests.An artificial nest provides a platform to common bird species for breeding. The bird collects the rest of the material.
Under the guidance of our Principal Ms Padma Srinivasan, the Campaign to save and enhance awareness about the Common House Sparrow was planned and executed by the Campaign Incharge , Ms Niva Chhonkar, Head: Biology department. The students of Classes IV to XII were given a Video presentation of Nest making with essential guidelines using easily available environment friendly material.The feedback was collected as photographs.Many Students enthusiastically participated in the ‘Sparrow Quiz’. Students who participated in the quiz and made nests were awarded a certificate.
The aim now is to add nests in different locations of the school and provide ambience for Sparrow Nesting.