Mysore/Mysuru: Sparrows, which were an integral part of our ecosystem are on the verge of extinction. There is a need to protect not only sparrows but also other bird species which are on the verge of extinction, said naturalist M.K. Saptha Girish, here on Wednesday.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Sparrow Festival organised by KMPK Trust at Government Lower Primary School (Gubbachi School) at Krishnamurthypuram.

“Humans should not be selfish about their existence must also allow other species to survive on the earth. There are about 25 species of sparrows which are on the verge of getting extinct. Protecting them for our future generations should be our priority,” he said.

Children were also distributed hanging pots to be installed at their houses to feed the sparrows and other birds.

HoD of Economics, KSOU, Dr. R.H. Pavithra, environmentalist Srinivas Bhashyam, Jeevadhara Blood Bank Director Girish, KMPK Trust President Vikram Iyengar, Gubbachi School Head Master Mohan Kumar and others were present.