World Sparrow Day (WSD) is celebrated every year on March 20 to raise awareness about the declining population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and the urgent need for their conservation. The event is now observed in over 50 countries.
- The day emphasizes the importance of these small birds in maintaining ecological balance and highlights the challenges they face in urban and rural environments.
2025 Theme:
The theme for WSD 2025 is “A Tribute to Nature’s Tiny Messengers”.
- It focuses on the critical role sparrows play in ecosystems and encouraging global conservation efforts.
Background:
i.WSD was Initiated by the Nature Forever Society (NFS) of India, founded by Indian conservationist Mohammed Dilawar; Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France); and other national and international entities.
ii.The first WSD was celebrated on March 20, 2010.
Note: On August 14, 2012, the house sparrow was declared the State Bird of Delhi, India, and on April 17, 2013, Bihar (India) also named it their state bird.
Significance:
Sparrows are vital for ecological balance. They help to control insect populations by feeding on pests, contribute to pollination, and aid in seed dispersal, which enhances biodiversity. Their presence is crucial for the health of both rural and urban ecosystems.
About House Sparrow:
i.House sparrows are found across the globe, particularly in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa and inhabits region like New Zealand, Australia, North America, and India.
ii.Not found in regions such as China, Indochina, Japan, parts of Siberia, and Australia to the east, or in tropical Africa and northern South America to the west.
iii.The house sparrow was introduced to Brooklyn, New York, the United States of America (USA), in 1851.
iv.It mainly feeds on seeds and kitchen scraps, but young chicks rely on insects such as aphids and caterpillars.
v.It helps maintain the food web and ecological balance, playing a key role in ecosystem functioning.
Note: In India, sparrows are more than just birds; they represent a symbol of shared history and culture. Known by names like “Goraiya” in Hindi, “Kuruvi” in Tamil, and “Chirya” in Urdu, sparrows have been an integral part of daily life for generations.
IUCN Red List:
i.In 2002, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) as “Endangered” due to its declining population.
ii.In 2018, the IUCN reassessed the species and listed it as “Least Concern,” reflecting a recovery in its population.
Reasons for Population Decline:
Modern architecture, air and chemical pollution, agricultural pesticides, increased predators, and the loss of green spaces, coupled with a growing disconnection from nature, have significantly impacted the survival of house sparrows.
Conservation Efforts:
i.The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-India is actively involved in raising awareness about the declining house sparrow population and encourages breeding by distributing custom-made nest boxes in various states.
ii.The “Save the Sparrow” campaign, led by Indian environmental conservationist Jagat Kinkhabwala, highlights the importance of balancing development with environmental protection.
iii.The Koodugal Trust in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) has engaged school children in building wooden sparrow nests. Between 2020 and 2024, the trust constructed over 10,000 nests, contributing to a rise in sparrow numbers.
iv.In Mysuru, Karnataka, the “Early Bird” campaign teaches children about birds.
