PROBABLE REASONS FOR DECLINING POPULATIONS OF HOUSE SPARROW, PASSER DOMESTICUS (LINNAEUS) (PASSERIFORMES: PASSERIDAE) IN RURAL VELLORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

This study pertains to evaluation of probable reasons for declining populations of Passer domesticus, in 153 villages in rural Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. A questionnaire survey was undertaken with 1715 residents of houses where birds built nests. A total of 1903 active nests and 6452 P. domesticus were enumerated. Lack of nesting sites, change from the traditional architecture of houses, declining areas of cultivation, lack of food grains, destruction of hedgerows, invasion by exotic weeds, threat from predators, and killing due to superstitious beliefs are the reasons for decline of P. domesticus populations. Replacement of traditional tile or thatched roofing of houses by flat, concrete roofs reduces nesting substrata. Replacement of traditional handlooms by power looms (n=3022) also causes loss of habitats of birds in 10 villages having predominant weaver community. Incidents of killing of sparrows for meat due to superstitious beliefs occurred in 42 villages. Active nests and birds were found in 116 villages where mobile phone towers were installed.