World Sparrow Day in Mount Abu: A Success Story of Conservation
In the serene hills of Mount Abu, the community has taken remarkable steps to ensure the survival and growth of the house sparrow. Abuites, the locals of Mount Abu, make extraordinary efforts to promote the population of these charming little birds. Daily, they scatter bajra and other bird seeds in spots accessible to the sparrows, providing a consistent food source. Additionally, they create safe havens for these birds to nest and thrive by carefully placing birdhouses outside buildings.
A few decades ago, the house sparrow population faced a steep decline, raising concerns among bird lovers and conservationists. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people of Mount Abu, their numbers have increased. Today, it’s not uncommon to hear excited exclamations from tourists, those from Gujarat, when they spot a house sparrow. Phrases like, “Juoo Juoo Chakli che... photo leg, photo ley ane gear mokal WhatsApp pur!” (Look, look, it’s a sparrow... take a photo and send it home on WhatsApp!) echo through the hills as these visitors marvel at the sight of a bird that has become a rarity in their own cities.
During a recent month-long stay in Ahmedabad, I felt a personal connection to the house sparrow. As I recorded a variety of bird species during my visit, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of sparrows—a stark contrast to the bustling avian life I was used to in Mount Abu. Imagine my joy when, about two weeks into my stay, I spotted and photographed a single sparrow. It was a moment of triumph, but also a reminder of the challenges these birds face in urban environments.
The efforts in Mount Abu are a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together for a common cause. On World Sparrow Day, let’s celebrate not just the house sparrows of Mount Abu but also the spirit of conservation that has allowed these birds to flourish once again.
The single House sparrow I saw while in Ahmedabad.
The population of Yellow-throated sparrows in Mount Abu has tripled in the past 5 years. Local folks call them the jungle sparrow.
To know more about SPARROWS click World Sparrow Day
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