Impact of Urbanization on Seasonal Population Status and Occupancy of House Sparrows in Delhi, India

Urbanization has a direct impact on avian communities as it modifies the landscape, consequently changing bird distribution, abundance and the resources on which avian populations depend. With increasing anthropocentric activities, there has been a marked decline in the urban population of house sparrows in Delhi, India. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of varying levels of urbanization (high-, medium- and low-density urban areas, suburban areas and agricultural areas) on the population and occupancy of sparrows. The encounter rate and occupancy probability were high in sub-urban and high-density urban areas, while they were low in lowdensity urban and agricultural areas. With active public participation, the sparrows can be conserved and their population can be re-established in areas where they have become extinct.