HOUSE SPARROW SURVEY TO IDENTIFY THE SPARROW POPULATION DECLINES

Project Overview

Survey on house sparrow populations to understand their decline in residential areas.

Human-Elephant Conflict

Summary

This ongoing community-based survey aimed to assess the current presence and trends in the population of house sparrows across selected villages in Wasgamuwa. It also captured local perceptions on causes of decline and the influence of environmental changes in home gardens and nearby surroundings.

Objectives

To assess the presence, abundance, and population trends of house sparrows in home gardens, and to understand community perceptions on their decline and possible causes.

Stakeholders & Collaborators:

Outcomes and Results

The study on house sparrow presence found that houses near agricultural lands reported higher sparrow activity, while urbanized or modern homes showed fewer sightings and nesting. Older residents (over 40) recalled greater sparrow abundance in the past, suggesting a significant decline. Reported causes included modern roofing designs, mobile tower radiation, noise pollution, and the loss of insect prey essential to raise their broods.

The project raised environmental awareness about sparrow decline and emphasized how human-made environments affect urban biodiversity. It also offered educational benefits, involving students and volunteers in data collection and ecological learning. An unexpected finding was that many youths had never seen a sparrow, sparking interest in nest box installation.

The SLWCS plans to launch a nest box campaign, and establish school-based monitoring programs. A key lesson was the value of community memory in tracking ecological change and the impact of simple, nature-inclusive home designs.

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