Short Communication: A pilot-study on the occurrence and probable factors influencing the population decline of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) along an urbanization gradient in Coimbatore district, India

Abstract. Narayanappa Y, Gautam A, Mahobiya K, Singh A. 2022. Short Communication: A pilot-study on the occurrence and probable factors influencing population decline of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) along an urbanization gradient in Coimbatore district, India. Biodiversitas 23: 3884-3889. The sparrow is a widely distributed, human-commensal bird species across globe. Over past few decades, this has been reported to be declining at alarming rate. primary factor postulated cause which leads unavailability suitable nesting sites, dearth invertebrate food, advent phone towers, electromagnetic radiation. current study aims document occurrence, abundance scrutinize reasons for Sparrows urban rural To estimate Sparrows, we counted them in16-points within three 3km-radius urban-rural gradient. Information gender, cluster size, detection distance, angle from observer, etc. were collected. questionnaire survey was conducted understand people's perceptions about importance its status. Along gradient, observed average 69.8 (±24.9) individuals. abundant semi-urban areas, attributed availability such as roof cavities, eaves, mud-walls, adequate feeding sources, presence open scrub patches garbage dumping sites adjacent residential spaces. However, sparrows not present even their preferred habitats. According survey, likely causes absence are increase vehicle traffic, modern buildings, high-rise structures, radiation cell towers.