The Wildlife Odisha Foundation (WOF) recently conducted the inaugural census for house sparrows in Odisha for the year 2025-2026, identifying a total of 83,576 birds throughout the state. Subarnapur district led the count with 30,000 birds. The census utilized modern scientific methods, highlighting a significant population in western Odisha, while noting a sharp decline in numbers in the coastal and southern districts, which raises concerns according to the foundation.
Prasant Kumar Dhal, Chairman of WOF, remarked that the presence of house sparrows in the western districts, attributed to favorable weather conditions, is encouraging for wildlife enthusiasts. He urged the public to engage in conservation efforts to support the rising population of these small birds. Dhal emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and government to ensure sustainable conservation of sparrows, which face a high risk of extinction.
Wildlife conservators and volunteers have distributed specially designed wooden shelters and earthen pots to safeguard sparrows from harsh conditions in various villages and townships. The survey was conducted by scientists, district representatives, and volunteers across multiple districts, including Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, Khordha, Koraput, Sambalpur, Balangir, Subarnapur, Jharsuguda, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
