Conservation and Enhancement of House Sparrow (Passer Domesticus) And Small Bird Populations in Urban Educational Environments: An Action Research Initiative

@article{1709495,
      author = {Dr. Jyotsna Sharma},
      title = {Conservation and Enhancement of House Sparrow (Passer Domesticus) And Small Bird Populations in Urban Educational Environments: An Action Research Initiative},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {1},
      pages = {55-66},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709495.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: The dramatic decline in house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and other small bird populations in urban areas has emerged as a critical environmental concern. Educational institutions can serve as vital urban biodiversity refuges through targeted conservation interventions and habitat enhancement programs.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of multi-faceted conservation strategies implemented at Shambhu Dayal Global School for enhancing house sparrow and small bird populations, including habitat restoration, food provisioning, nesting site creation, and community engagement initiatives.

Methods: This longitudinal action research study employed a mixed-methods approach over 18 months (January 2024 - June 2025), combining quantitative bird population surveys with qualitative assessment of conservation intervention effectiveness. Pre-intervention baseline surveys established population densities, species diversity, and habitat utilization patterns. Conservation interventions included native plant restoration, artificial nest box installation, water feature creation, and systematic feeding programs. Monthly bird counts, behavioral observations, and breeding success monitoring provided outcome measurements.

Results: Significant population recovery was observed with house sparrow numbers increasing from 12 individuals (baseline) to 47 individuals (post-intervention), representing a 292% increase. Overall small bird species diversity improved from 8 species to 18 species. Breeding success rates increased by 78%, with 23 successful nesting attempts recorded during the study period. Native plant restoration areas showed 340% higher bird visitation rates compared to conventional landscaping.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that targeted conservation interventions in educational settings can effectively reverse urban bird population declines. The integrated approach combining habitat enhancement, food security, nesting opportunities, and community engagement provides a replicable model for urban biodiversity conservation.},
      keywords = {House sparrow conservation, urban biodiversity, habitat restoration, species recovery, educational institutions, community-based conservation, Passer domesticus, urban ecology, nesting habitat, population enhancement},
      month = {July},
  }