Sistan (Afghan) Scrub Sparrow Passer (moabiticus) yatii: Notes on Common Name, Status and Threats

Abstract

We searched for the Sistan Scrub Sparrow Passer (moabiticus) yatii in the wetlands on the Iranian side of the Sistan basin during a visit to Iran in December 2010. At least 300 Sistan Scrub Sparrows were found in the dry basin of the Hamoun-e Saberi lake. No Sistan Scrub Sparrows were found at the Chah Nimeh water reservoir, along the River Hirmand on the Afghan border and at an irrigated site near Zahak. The habitat changes caused by extreme droughts in the range of the Sistan Scrub Sparrow in recent decades are discussed. Given the small range of the species, local changes in its habitat could have devastating effects. In addition, the common name of the species is discussed. We suggest that the species be called Sistan Scrub Sparrow instead of the previous names Afghan Scrub Sparrow or Yate’s Sparrow