Java Sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora) is a bird endemic to the islands of Java, Bali and Madura. This species has been introduced in various places around the world and adapt to new environments quite well. Open areas such as agricultural lands, yards, and urban areas are places where it can easily be found. Oftentimes, the encounters with this bird occur in the mangroves and coastal areas.
The breeding season lasts from February to August. Using dried grass as material, Java Sparrows build their nest under the rooftops, or tree cavities. As granivores, they are easily attracted to baits placed by humans in the backyards. They also often found foraging on the ground and frequently group into a huge flock on paddy fields.
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Being close to the circle of human life does not change the fact that the Java Sparrow is one of the birds with a high level of threat. Small and pretty birds have long been popular to be kept as pets. In fact, because of their attractive physical appearance, distinctive calls and ability to maneuver when in a cage, many children are attracted to keeping them.
The Java Sparrows’ popularity and the increase of market demand intensified the hunting activities, driving down its population in nature. As long as the regulation to protect the bird from being hunted is taking absence, the problem appears to keep continuing. Since 1994 to date, IUCN has declared the Java Sparrow’s status as Vulnerable/VU to extinction.
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Catching Java Sparrows to meet the needs of the domestic and international market for domesticated birds is thought to have occurred for a long time. The peak occurred in the decade of the 1960s to 1970s. The habit of Java Sparrow congregating in one tree makes this species vulnerable to mass capture.
Among farmers in Indonesia, Java Sparrow is often considered an agricultural pest because it often eats rice plants, causing the rampant catchment of this species. This leads to the rampage catchment of this species. Ecology competition with Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is thought to be the cause of Javan Sparrow’s declining population.
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Java Sparrow is featured on the April 2017 edition of Burung Indonesia’s Wallpaper. Help us to raise the public’s awareness on this endangered bird. Download at the following link: Java Sparrow Wallpaper. Sila unduh di tautan berikut: Wallpaper Gelatik Jawa.