House Sparrow Passer domesticus as an Invasive Bird in Thailand, Natural Dispersion or Introduced Species?

Abstract

Passer domesticus holds the title of being the most widely distributed bird species globally, originating from Central-East Asia and spreading extensively due to human-mediated activities. While initially established as a native species about 10,000 years ago, their association with human-modified habitats has accelerated their expansion, particularly in urban areas. In Thailand, sightings were initially rare but gradually increased, with the species establishing breeding populations, predominantly in urban and suburban areas. This expansion poses challenges as they compete with native species for resources and nesting sites. This study utilized citizen science data from the eBird platform to investigate the factors influencing the expansion of P. domesticus breeding areas in Thailand. Through occupancy modeling, spatiotemporal patterns of colonization were analyzed, revealing the influence of urbanization, vegetation indices, elevation, and proximity to infrastructure. Results showed a steady increase in territorial occupancy, particularly in urbanized regions, with roads and petrol stations acting as facilitators for dispersal. The study underscores the role of urban expansion in facilitating the spread of P. domesticus, raising concerns about its impact on native bird species and biodiversity in Thailand. Further research is warranted to assess the full extent of its ecological implications and to devise strategies for mitigating its potential adverse effects.