WHY CONSERVE
At one point in time, birds and urban wildlife were seen abundantly. Sparrow is one bird that we have grown up watching. But, in the recent past how many of you really remember seeing a sparrow? The current scenario is such that there has been an 80% decline in the population of sparrows due to many reasons such as habitat destruction, match box shaped buildings and changes in lifestyle.
HABITAT DESTRUCTION
Of late, there has been a destruction of habitat, native trees and green spaces which were vital for survival and ecological needs like nesting, feeding, roosting for sparrows. Due to large scale habitat destruction and alteration, cavity nesting birds like sparrows have lost cavities which were vital for nesting and raising their young ones.
MATCH BOX SHAPE BUILDINGS
Modern architecture made up of glass and aluminum composite panels are devoid of natural cavities or suitable habitat for urban birds and wildlife like sparrows. In such a scenario it is difficult for sparrows and other cavity nesting birds to find suitable habitat.
CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE
Change in lifestyle is one of the major reasons that has led to decline in the sparrow population. In earlier days, our grandmothers and mothers would sit in the verandah and clean cereals and grains. In this process, the leftovers and the worms were eaten by the birds. But now, we get pre-cleaned grains and cereals.
NO NATIVE PLANTS
Exotic plantations has gained a lot of importance in the recent past. Exotic plants do not attract birds and other insects.
Microwave pollution
Mobile revolution
Increase in mobile towers
Satellite dishes
Radio towers
Change in farming practices
Intensification
Mechanisation
Hedgerow removal
Overgrazing
New crops varieties
Green Houses
Food Scarcity
Changes in lifestyles
Changes in crop varieties
Change in gardening pattern
WHAT ARE CAVITY NESTING BIRDS
Cavity Nesting birds are those birds who live in cavities such as tree hollows or crevices of old buildings. They build their nest, lay eggs and raise their little ones inside them. The size, shape and placement of cavities vary depending on the size of the birds.
Eg. of cavity nesting birds: Sparrow, Parakeets, Mynahs, Owls and Tits.
HOW TO CONSERVE
Adopt Nest Boxes and Bird Feeders
Why ADOPT
The main aim when we ask you to adopt a bird feeder or a nest box is to help conserve the birds. Now you may think that how by adopting these products sparrows can be conserved right? So here is the answer.
Why Feed Birds and How does Bird Feeder Help
Due to rapid urbanization birds are finding it increasingly difficult to find a constant source of food
Bird Feeder helps in providing that constant and hygienic source of food with the help of which birds can not only feed themselves but also their young ones
Non Native plantation in and around has led to a decline in the insect population too which would be a source of food for birds
Why Adopt Nest Boxes and How does it help Conserve Birds
Nest Boxes are surrogate cavities. As the maternal cavities are not available easily now a days due to rapid urbanization
Sparrows breed four times a year. This helps them to have a constant and safe place for breeding and to roost
Helps them raise their young ones and be safe from predators