Ecology, parasitism and conservation of sparrows in anthropized environments: Insights from the Working Group on Urban Sparrows

Abstract

This volume compiles the key insights and research presented at the 7th Meeting of the Working Group on Urban Sparrows, held in Valencia in 2023. After several years of anticipation, this international gathering brought together researchers from across Europe and Asia—including participants from countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, and India—to share knowledge and strategies for the conservation of urban bird species. The book includes both the abstracts from the meeting and the development of six full chapters, presented as scientific papers. These contributions reflect the latest research on the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and its ecology, alongside studies on other indicator species such as the Great Tit (Parus major) and the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus). The book explores topics such as ecology, behavior, threats, and conservation in anthropized environments. It addresses pressing issues including plastic incorporation into nests, population monitoring, breeding success, and comparisons between urban and rural ecosystems. Beyond serving as a record of the 2023 meeting, this volume provides a valuable reference for current trends and future directions in urban avian research. It is a useful resource for scientists, conservation practitioners, and students interested in the interaction between biodiversity and urbanization. Published as an open access edition by Publicacions de la Universitat de València and funded by the Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva, this work aims not only to inform but to encourage continued scientific exchange and concrete actions to safeguard urban wildlife.