Sparrows have disappeared in many Ukrainian cities: why birdwatchers are sounding the alarm

In many Ukrainian cities, sparrows are disappearing from the streets. Ornithologists are sounding the alarm because this trend has been going on for several years.

According to scientists, urban sparrows are an important part of the ecosystem. Therefore, the disappearance of one link provokes disturbing changes in the entire life chain, mukachevo.net writes.

"During the period of feeding one brood, a pair of sparrows destroys about 30 thousand insects. So, these are very useful birds for both humans and the environment," said Ruslana Dzhakhman, a senior researcher at the Zakarpattia Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Why sparrows are fleeing cities

According to scientists, there are several reasons for the disappearance of sparrows from urban areas. The first is the change in construction technologies, meaning that there are no gaps - everything is isolated, concrete and plastic everywhere. Also, the number of private houses in cities has decreased, and sparrows like to nest under roofs and slates.

The second reason for the disappearance of sparrows is that citizens pack their garbage in tight plastic bags and throw it into closed plastic containers. It is difficult for sparrows to get to food waste.

Also, there are practically no households in the city where poultry are kept in the yard. Sparrows like to eat grain near chicken coops.

Scientists also emphasize the increase in the number of cats in cities, which are sparrows' first enemies.

Vadym Zhulenko, a Lviv ornithologist, says that another reason for the disappearance of sparrows from the city is excessive cleaning. That is, branches or entire trees are often cut down, where sparrows usually nest. That is why these little birds have almost disappeared in the central part of Lviv.

A similar situation is observed in Kharkiv. "Sparrows and titmice, which once lived here in large numbers, have almost disappeared in the city. In summer, these birds were an obstacle to the reproduction of harmful insects. But the trees in the city are being cut down, bushes are being shaved off, and the birds have no place to nest," says environmental activist Halyna Turchyna.

Anna Stanyova, a representative of BirdLife Europe, emphasized that common bird species are becoming less and less common because their habitats are being destroyed by people.

"These data show that nature is sounding the alarm. Although protecting birds that are already rare or endangered has led to some successful outcomes, it is not enough to sustain populations of other numerous species," Stanyova concluded.

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