Int. J. Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering
ISSN 2319-5347, ISI Impact Factor: 0.763
VOLUME 02 NO. 01 JANUARY 2014:
Title: Indian sparrows on the brink of extinction: population
dynamics combined with ecological changes
Authors: Vasanth Kamath,
Asish Oommen Mathew, Lewlyn L. R. Rodrigues
Abstract: The Indian sparrow, popularly
known as the House sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus),
is the most wide spread subspecies of the sparrow family
(Passer domesticus) in India. Of late, due to its
vanishing numbers the bird has lost prominence. These
birds are termed as the indicators of the environmental
health and their decline is a warning signal to all of
us. This research paper attempts to use the concept of
System Dynamics to explain the reason as to why these
dramatic changes in the house sparrow population have
occurred in the last few years, and demonstrate it
through Causal loop diagrams. Specifically, it explores
the structural characteristics of the house sparrow
population, focusing on feeding and breeding. It also
discusses certain measures like the effect of
implementation of bio-fertilizers, and the creation of
awareness to develop an ecosystem where they can
continue to co-exist in harmony and not follow the
‘dodo’trail.
Keywords: Passer domesticus indicus, ecosystem,
population, system dynamics, causal loop diagram
Pages:
17-22