Count the sparrows before they vanish

LUCKNOW: On the occasion of World Sparrow Day on Thursday, you can contribute in your little way by counting the birds and letting the biodiversity and wildlife conservation lab of Lucknow University know your count.

Under an exercise titled 'monitor the sparrows and other common birds' this year, researchers and environmentalists, in a bid to raise public awareness regarding conservation of sparrows, have urged people to keep a tab on number of sparrows including adults and juveniles and also spot their nests and accord protection, wherever needed.

"Getting out of homes for three hours in the morning, between 6am and 9am, on Thursday, counting sparrows and sending number to us will help," said Amita Kanaujia, associate professor, department of zoology, LU. "In order to save sparrows, what is required is to save the entire urban habitat," said Mohammad Dilawar, founder and president of the Nature Forever Society.

"The alarming rate at which these tiny creatures are disappearing is definitely something to be worried about but the efforts put in by nature lovers have worked really well," he added.

Suresh Chowdhary, a city-based ornithologist, said "today, when there is rampant use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides, sparrows and other common birds hardly get to eat a natural healthy diet and with this there is a fall in their population."

House sparrows are dwindling in numbers because of loss of habitat and proper food to survive on.