Issued by India

Issued on Sep 1, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 2^nd International Tiger Forum and hails the contribution of India and global community to save Tiger and its ecosystem.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Shri Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301875

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Differing attitudes and beliefs regarding the relationship of humankind to other creatures has been a topic of interest for civilizations. India, the land of eastern religions of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, strongly lays emphasis on non injury to animals. The doctrine of non-violence or non-killing is taken from these eastern philosophies. In Sanatan Dharma, animals are carriers of gods and goddesses and hence considered integral part of human lifestyle. Tiger, is the carrier of Goddess Durga, the source of unlimited power and abundance.
• The Government of India took a pioneering initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the “Project Tiger” in 1973. “Project Tiger”, now ongoing as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, was launched in 09 tiger reserves of different States (Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) over an area of approximately 14,000 km². Since then, the project coverage has expanded considerably to 52 tiger reserves (TR), encompassing an area of around 74,725.07 km² in 18 tiger States with 41,022.9 km² of notified core/ critical tiger habitats and 33,602.12 km² of buffer / peripheral areas in 18 tiger states.
• Due to ongoing conservation efforts under the Project Tiger in designated tiger reserves, India supports almost 70% of wild tigers amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world. Project Tiger has put the endangered tiger on an assured path of recovery, as revealed in the country level assessment of tiger, co- predators, prey and habitat.
• In November, 2010, the Russian Federation had organized an International Forum on issues related to preservation of tiger in St Petersburg. The forum had adopted a declaration of the Heads of Governments on Tiger Conservation and the Global Tiger Recovery Program. One of the important decisions taken in the Forum was doubling of tiger population in the natural habitat of tiger by 2022.
• It is heartening to note that India has achieved the goal of doubling the tigers well ahead of the schedule and India is one of the leading Tiger Range Countries in the world in tiger conservation.
• As per the agreement reached in 2010 in St Petersburg, 2^nd International Tiger Forum is being held. This 2^nd International Forum has the main objectives of reviewing the results of Global Program and determine new priorities for further joint work of interested parties. The 2^nd International Tiger Forum is an important international event in creating awareness in stakeholders and India’s achievement of doubling of tiger numbers.
• To commemorate the 2^nd International Forum, the Russian Federation is issuing a postage stamp dedicated to this event. India being the global leader in tiger conservation is reciprocating the gesture by releasing a Commemorative Postage Stamp to celebrate this important global event.
• The Commemorative Postage Stamp also pays tribute to ‘Collarwali’ the famous tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, which passed away in January, 2022. This Super MOM, tigress had given birth to 29 tiger cubs in her life time and an astonishing 25 cubs had survived into adulthood.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 29, 2016

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of two stamps on Tadoba Andhari National Park.

Credits :
Stamp / FDC / Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 million each

Miniature Sheet printed : 0.1 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Tadoba Andhari National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the finest & largest National Parks in Maharashtra. It is an important Project Tiger Reserves in India. This beautiful natural area is situated close to Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. It was in 1955 when 116.55 sq. km. of the area was declared a National Park. Later, the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was created in the adjacent forests in 1986. In 1995, both the park and the sanctuary were merged to establish the present tiger reserve.
• The Tadoba Andhari National Park has an endless treasure trove of large number of species of trees & plants and wildlife like panthers, tigers, hyenas, sloth bears, wild dogs, jackals, barking deer, bison, sambar, to name a few. Overshadowed by teak & bamboo, and with a magical landscape of rugged cliffs, marshlands, lakes, etc., it has a large variety of flora and fauna, which makes it a popular tourist spot.
• The name ‘Tadoba’ is derived from the name of God “Tadoba” or “Taru”. The Gond kings were known to have once ruled the forests in the vicinity of the Chimur hills. It is believed that Taru was a village chief who was killed in a fierce encounter with a tiger and a shrine was built in his memory. The name “Andhari” is derived from the Andhari river which flows through the Park.
• The Andhari River, Erai Dam, Kolsa Lake, Junoria Lake and the Tadoba Lake form the lifeline of the park. The river and water storage systems provide year long supply of fresh water to this amazing ecosystem. Besides, small water bodies, rivulets and creeks also exist in the confines of the dense forests, in plains, and, in the hills. Man made water holes and small dams in the area add to the life sustaining environment. These factors explain the prolific bio diversity of the region.
• The vegetation of the forest is of Southern tropical dry deciduous type. Teak is the prominent tree species in the Tadoba forest. Besides teak, some other common trees found in the Park are Ain (Crocodile Bark), Bija, Dhaudab, Hald, Salai, Semal, Shisham, Mahua Madhuca (Crepe Myrtle) and Bamboo. In addition, Axlewood Anogeissus Latifolia, a fire-resistant species, is also found here, along with Buteamonosperma, which adds vivacious color to this forest. Arjun trees are also found at Panchadhara.
• A major part of this forest is in the hilly area of the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers Moharali & Kolsa ranges. As a result, there are many hillocks and terrains which provide shelter to wild animals. Besides the species of Bengal Tiger, this park is home to other mammals like Sloth Bear, Leopard, Rusty Spotted Cat, Gaur (Indian Bison), Indian Mouse Deer, Ratel, Sambar, Wild Pig, Spotted Deer, Flying Squirrel, Four Horned Antelope, to name a few. As soon the night falls, the Small Indian Civet, the Palm Civet, the Ratel, and the Flying squirrel make their presence felt.
• Tadoba National Park is a popular tiger reserve that is popularly known as ‘The Land of Tigers‘ as large number of tigers are found here. The total area under the Project Tiger includes the core area and the buffer zone. The core area concept denotes critical tiger habitat, which is subject to intense conservation measures with minimal human intervention.
• Historically, the Bengal Tiger is known to have arrived in the Indian Subcontinent approximately 12,000 years ago. The Bengal tiger’s coat is yellow to light orange, with stripes ranging from dark brown to black; the belly and the interior parts of the limbs are white, and the tail is orange with black rings. The white tiger is a recessive mutant of the Bengal tiger, which is reported in the wild from time to time in Assam, Bengal, Bihar and especially from the former State of Rewa.
• Male Bengal tigers have an average total length of 270 to 310 cm (110 to 120 in) including the tail, while females measure 240 to 265 cm (94 to 104 in) on an average. The tail is typically 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in) long, and on an average, tigers are 90 to 110 cm (35 to 43 in) in height at the shoulders. The weight of males ranges from 180 to 258 kg (397 to 569 lb), while that of the females ranges from 100 to 160 kg (220 to 350 lb).
• Bengal tigers are territorial, and except for the core unit of mother and cub, they are solitary creatures. Each male tiger needs a large territory in which to hunt and mate. Once a Bengal establishes a home range, it usually sticks to it, and remains aware and respectful of other tiger’s ranges. However, due to rapid industrial development and continuing poaching activities during the last century, a sizable percentage of the tiger population, not only in India, but across the World, has been reducing substantially. At present the Bengal Tiger is listed under “Endangered” category in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) red list of threatened species.
• Tigers are a conservation dependent species. The Bengal tiger subspecies is at the top of the food chain in the wild. Tigers are also a vital link in maintaining the rich diversity of nature. When tigers are protected, we have so much more. For example, with just one tiger, we protect around 25,000 acres of forest. These ecosystems supply both nature and people with fresh water, food, and health.
• Text : Based on the material available on the internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 3, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of celebration of centenary year of Zoological Survey of India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Miniature Sheet : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million & 0.25 Million

Miniature Sheet : 0.1 Million (3000 p)

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India is very rich in terms of biological diversity due to its unique biogeographical location, diversified climatic conditions and enormous ecodiversity and geodiversity. According to the world biogeographic classification, India represents two of the major realms (the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan) and three biomes (Tropical Humid Forests, Tropical Dry/Deciduous Forests and Warm Deserts/Semi-Deserts). With only about 2.4% of world’s total land surface, India is known to have over 7.50% of the species of animals that the world holds and this percentage accounts for nearly about 92,000 species so far known.
  
• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1^st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge on various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal diversity of the Indian subcontinent. The survey has its genesis in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1814-1875) and the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Kolkata. By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research programmes, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future. The scope and functions of Zoological Survey of India have been considerably expanded, particularly in the light of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified by the Government of India in 1994. To meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation, sustainable utilization and dissemination of knowledge on faunal diversity to all stake holders, recently, the Survey has been working at augmenting its research infrastructure.
  
• With the increasing interest in the life sciences and with the advent of country’s Five Year Plans, the expansion programme of the survey was taken up. The Survey has established 16 Regional and Field Stations so far, and has developed into a major National Institution with its Headquarters at Kolkata. It functions as the guardian of the National Zoological Collections, containing over a million identified specimens from all animal groups ranging from Protozoa to Mammals. Extensive and intensive field explorations are undertaken by the survey in different parts of the country for the studies of fauna, systematic zoology, animal ecology, wildlife and zoogeography, animal behaviour, animal population and also marine fauna and the results of the explorations and research are published regularly in its own journals as well as National and International periodicals of repute. Recently efforts have been made towards an integrated approach to zoological investigations, so as to have more purpose oriented research comprising biological, cytotaxonomic, and ecological aspects.
  
• Zoological Survey of India has been monitoring services on population status of commercially important species of fauna and providing input for underutilized, culturable species both from terrestrial and aquatic systems. Zoological Survey of India also provides timely warning on declining population of species of commercial importance to ensure sustainable use of components of biological diversity.
  
• Besides regularly providing identification and advisory services to research establishments, including more than two hundred Universities in India, the Survey also provides short term trainings in the art of taxidermy to candidates sponsored by different organizations. It has continued to maintain its objectives of taxonomic research, survey and documentation of Indian fauna. It also organizes an annual training programme in collection, preservation and identification of insects and mites of economic importance.
  
• Zoological Survey of India is approaching 100 years of its service to the nation and is an important knowledge Bank for future India. It assists the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India in the conservation of fauna of the country.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 29, 2015

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the occasion of the 3^rd India–Africa Forum Summit.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 p (4), 2500 p (2)

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million Each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS–III) is to be held from 26-29 October, 2015 in New Delhi. The first two Summits were held in 2008 in New Delhi and in 2011 in Addis Ababa. The IAFS-III will be the first India–Africa Summit where Leaders of all 54 African countries, with whom India has diplomatic relations, have been invited to participate.
• The India–Africa strategic partnership flows from the longstanding maritime trading and cultural links across the Indian Ocean; the presence of substantial Indian Diaspora in Africa that is an active participant in the economic development in Africa and forms a special bond; the common struggle of our leaders against imperialism, colonialism and apartheid; the collective action to demand a more just and fair international political and economic order that is sensitive to developing countries concerns at international fora; the rapidly growing trade and investment links and an extensive and growing development partnership and the bilateral friendly relations between India and the countries of Africa.
• The multifaceted India–Africa development partnership based on equality, friendship and solidarity represents South-South cooperation in all its dimensions. This encompasses human resource development through scholarships, training, capacity building; financial assistance through grants and soft credit to implement various public goods projects, including those for education, healthcare and infrastructure; trade preferences; technology collaborations; humanitarian financial and in kind assistance in emergency situations; deployment of peacekeeping troops who also conduct a range of development and humanitarian tasks; cooperation in negotiations in multilateral fora for common causes and concerns, among others.
• India–Africa trade has multiplied over twenty times in the last fifteen years and doubled in the last five years to reach US$ 72 billion in 2014-2015. Investment by Indian companies into Africa has also grown significantly and is estimated to be in the range of US$ 30-35 billion.
• Since the Second India–Africa Forum Summit, over 24,000 scholarships have been provided to African countries. These include more than 300 training programmes conducted at over 60 institutions in addition to the higher education scholarships at various universities.
• In the last decade, a total of almost US$ 9 billion in concessional credit has been approved for nearly 140 projects in more than 40 African countries by Government of India, with special emphasis on LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and SIDS (Small Island Developing States) partners in view of their special challenges and requirements. So far nearly 60 projects have been completed.
• The Third India-Africa Forum Summit is taking place in a year that marks the 70^th anniversary of the United Nations. It is the first since the achievement of 50 years of pan-Africanism and African Renaissance and shortly following the landmark adoption of the Agenda 2063 by the African Union. It is also the first since the landmark 50^th anniversary of the Group of 77 last year. The Summit follows weeks after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the deliberations held at the Third International Conference for Financing for Development in Addis Ababa a few months ago. 2015 is also the year when the 21^st meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris will finalize a post 2020 Agreement on Climate Change as also a World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial that will be held in Nairobi. India and Africa have worked together to develop a common understanding of our core priorities for an inclusive economic growth to eradicate poverty and allocate adequate resources for sustainable development.
• The Third India–Africa Forum Summit is expected to provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between India and Africa and to chart the course of our strategic partnership going forward.
• Text : Based on the material provided by proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on May 10, 2013

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps and a Miniature Sheet on Kiang and Ghor Khur.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 & 2000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.41 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.21 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Kiang and Ghor Khar, the wild ass of Ladakh and Kutch are beautiful and fascinating creatures of the wild.
• Kiang : Ladakh (Equus hemionus kiang) :
  • The Kiang or Tibetan Wild Ass is the largest of the all African and Asiatic wild asses. Its coat is reddish in summer to dark brown in winter with almost white underparts. Kiang is considered closer to a horse than ass due to its short ears, large tail tuft and broad hooves. Like all wild asses, Kiangs have short upright mane and a dark stripe along the back extending from nape to tail.
  • The habitat of the Kiang extends from Tibet, some regions in China to east Ladakh and north Sikkim in India. Kiang is an agile animal and can run long distances at a speed of more than 50 kms per hour. Kiangs live in herds and feed upon sparsely growing sturdy grasses.
• Ghor Khar : Kutch (Equus hemionus khur) :
  • The Indian Wild Ass, also called Ghor Khar, is found predominantly in the Little Rann of Kutch and its surrounding areas in Gujarat. Saline deserts (Rann), arid grasslands and shrublands are its preferred environment. The coat of the animal is usually sandy and may vary from reddish grey, fawn, to pale chestnut. It possesses an erect, dark mane which runs from the back of the head and along the neck followed by a dark brown stripe running along the back, to the root of the tall. It feeds on grass, leaves and fruits of plant, crop and saline vegetation. It is one of the fastest of Indian animals and can easily outrun a motorized vehicle.
• Text : Department of Posts.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 16, 2012

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to participate in an effort for conservation of the rich bio-diversity of the country by issuing a set of four Commemorative Postage Stamps and a miniature sheet on Endemic Species of Indian Bio-diversity Hotspots.

Credits:
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500, 500, 500 & 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million each (0.1 million each for the proponent)

Miniature Sheet : 0.4 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• In recent years, sustaining bio-diversity and maintaining ecological balance has come under increasing pressure due to factors such as habitat fragmentation, development imperatives and global warming. The global concern about loss of bio-diversity found expression in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. The Convention has three objectives : conservation of bio-diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. CBD is the first comprehensive global agreement addressing all aspects relating to bio-diversity. The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention on Biological Diversity and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings.
• The tenth ordinary meeting of the Conference of Parties was held in Nagoya, Japan (18-29 October 2010). India is hosting the eleventh Conference of Parties to the CBD in Hyderabad from 1^st to 19^th October 2012. Department of Posts is issuing a set of four Commemorative Postage Stamps and a miniature sheet depicting the following four endemic species of Indian Bio-diversity Hotspots to commemorate COP-11.
• 1. Bugun Liocichla (Liocichla Bugunorum) – This species has been classified as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• 2. Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius Nicobariensis) – As the name suggests this species is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, India. The total number of their breeding pairs was estimated at 788 in 2006. It inhabits forests and secondary growth, with greater concentration in coastal forests. The key threat to their existence is the loss of coastal forests through conversion to agriculture and road development projects which threaten to fragment habitat blocks.
• 3. Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock Hoolock) – This species, the only ape in India is a forest dweller. The species is an important seed disperser. Its diet includes mostly ripe fruits with some flowers, leaves and shoots. The threats to Hoolock Gibbon in the wild, include habitat encroachment by the human beings, forest clearance for cultivation and forest degradation.
• 4. Venated Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus Malabaricus) – This critically endangered species of frog is restricted to the Indira Gandhi National Park and its surroundings in Tamil Nadu, in the South Western Ghats, within an altitudinal range of 1000-1300 metres. The main threat to its existence is conversion of forested areas to cultivated land and the extraction of wood and timber by local people.
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 14, 2011

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release a set of postage stamps designed by children.

Design : This year we are presenting the collection of prize winning entries, at the national level on a set of two stamps, Minisheet, First Day Cover. The paintings by ad seriatim are by: 1. Shreeraksha, V Class, Karnataka, 2. A. Priya Dharsini, V Class, Tamil Nadu, 3. Riya Dutta, IV Class, H.P., 4. Ashik Purushotham, Vlll Class, Kerala, 5. Jayashree Sahu, Vlll Class, Orissa, 6. Rangoli Pandey, VII Class, U.P., 7. Shubham Sahu, X Class C.G, 8. Nishi Bordia, IX Class, M.P., 9. Jai Surya P, IX Class, Kerala. Each painting is a message in itself with the plea to all of us that saving the tiger will save our eco system for the generations to come.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC, Miniature sheet & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 & 2000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million Each

Miniature Sheet : 0.1 Million

Printing Process : Wet offset

Printer : I.S.P. Nashik

About : 

• Each year the Department of Posts brings out special postage stamp on Children’s Day to mark the birth anniversary of India‘s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 14^th November.
  
• India Post, to create awareness on the tigers which are one of the most endangered species in the world and also on the verge of extinction, conducted ‘Design a Stamp’ contest with the theme to save “The Tiger” on 12.12.2010 as one of the special events of INDIPEX 2011.
  
• Children through their paintings had highlighted the critical areas that have caused the drastic decline of tiger population in India in a creative way.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 19, 2009

Issued for : India Post, by issuing a commemorative Postage Stamp carrying the message to save Polar Regions is contributing to the effort to sensitize people to leave the Earth a better place for future generations.

Credits :
Stamp : Sankha Samantha
FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 3.0 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.8 Million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Earth’s Polar Regions, also known as Frigid Zones, at the North Pole and South Pole, are dominated by the polar ice caps, resting respectively on the Arctic Ocean and the continent of Antarctica.
• Polar weather influences climates in areas as far away as the tropics and changes will have effects across the world. Polar sea ice is currently diminishing, possibly as a result of anthropogenic Global warming. Some scientists have estimated that the Arctic basin will experience ice-free-summers by 2040 or even sooner, as the ice serves as a moderator of the planets climate, in part by deflecting heat radiation back into space. The breaking down of ice in the polar regions has resulted in an increase in temperature by 2.5 degree Celsius over the past 50 years.
• Decline in ice and snow in both the Polar regions is affecting human livelihood as well as local plant and animal life in the Arctic as well as global atmospheric circulation and sea level. Climate change affects various factors of the habitat of animals adapted to live in really extreme conditions and put population at risk.
• Several species of living things call the Polar regions their home from tiny lichens encrusting the rocky landscapes of the Arctic tundra to huge blue whales swimming through the frigid water of the southern Ocean. Some animals are only part time residents, migrating to warmer, lower latitudes during the winter months.
• Polar bears, penguins, seals, whales and walrus are just a few of the species living in these very cold regions. They are specially adapted to survive the extreme cold of the Polar regions.
• The Emperor penguins the world largest penguins could be pushed to the brink of extinction by the end of this century due to the melting of Antarctic Sea ice caused by global climate change. Similarly Polar bears in the Arctic, the largest bear species, also rely heavily on sea ice.
• “No man is an island” – said the poet. And today this stands as a scientific reality before us, proved by the interconnectivity of human life across the globe with all animal and plant species, the earth, the climate and the air around us. It is essential that the delicate balance of ecology be understood and maintained with a sense of commitment and responsibility.
• Text : Based on Material available in the internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 16, 2009

Issued for : Life began in water, and these endangered species of the ocean and the river are ringing a vital bell which we should pay serious attention to. Through this joint issue of stamps India and Philippines not only mark 60 years of their relationship, but also turn the spotlight on one of the major global concerns of today : protecting wildlife and its habitat, and ecology.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 & 2000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 1.5 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• India and Philippines established formal diplomatic relations on November 16,1949 following the independence of the Philippines in 1946 and of India in 1947 and have since maintained good and cordial relations. Over the years, the two countries have signed several agreements, which provide a broad framework for bilateral ties between the two countries. As members of various multilateral fora, the two countries have coordinated their positions on several regional and international issues, strengthening bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation facilitated by high level visits and various agreements. With bilateral trade, cooperation in several areas such as oil gas, non convention sources of energy, agricultural research etc., the two countries are also attuned to concerns for ecological issues.
• Marine mammals, because of their intelligence, visibility and frequent interactions with humans, hold a special place in people’s mind. The biggest threat to them is their accidental capture or entanglement in fishing gear which kills hundreds of thousands of them each year. The other major factor of their decline is due to destruction or degradation of their natural habitat.
• Butanding :
  • The Philippines is the world’s second-largest archipelago. Located in Southeast Asia, its 7,107 islands straddle the Coral Triangle, making them one of the top marine biodiversity hotspots in the world.
  • The whale shark (Rhincodon typus), known locally as the Butanding, is among the best loved marine animals that populate or visit Philippine waters. The Butanding is the largest variety of shark and can measure up to 20 meters in length and weigh more than 30 tons, i.e. the largest living fish species, but in spite of its size, this animal is known to be remarkably gentle. The Butanding is a slow moving, filter-feeding shark having very large mouth, fed mainly on plankton, microscopic plants, and animals.
  • Donsol in Sorsogon province has been declared as a sanctuary for the whale sharks and there is now a thriving eco-tourism program in place that allows people to see and swim with these “gentle giants of the deep.” An animal festival is also held in the municipality in honour of the fascinating creatures.
• Gangetic Dolphin :
  • The Gangetic river dolphin occurs only in the fresh water rivers of India and Bangladesh. It is known as the fresh water tiger. Today it is a highly threatened species. Dams and barrages had posed a major threat to this water dolphin as they isolate the dolphins preventing them from swimming freely up and down the river.
  • The Ganges River dolphin weighs up to 90 kg and measures 1.5- 2.5 meters (4.9-8.2 ft) in length. It eats a variety of fish and invertebrates. The stomach contents of dolphin have included prawns, clams, catfish, freshwater shark etc. The seasonal habits and movements of the Ganges River dolphin are not well known, but there is some evidence of seasonal change in distribution, with animals travelling upstream as the water level rises, and entering smaller streams. The waters that it inhabits are extremely murky. Probably for this reason, the dolphin’s sight has degenerated. Its eye lacks a lens, and the dolphin is sometimes referred to as being blind, although its eyes do seem to function as a direction-finding device. To find food, it probably uses echolocation and also probes with its sensitive snout for fish, shrimp, and other organisms in the bottom mud. Blindness is one of the reasons why this dolphin swims on one side underwater, with one flipper trailing in the muddy riverbed. The physical touch may give the dolphin important information about its surroundings and help it to find food.
  • The dolphins living a pathetic life in the Ganga are fighting a losing battle for their survival. The threat to their life is the commercial fishing and ecologically insensitive irrigation practices along the river. Polluted water flowing into the river from a number of tributaries are severely straining the habitat of these shy mammals. Adding further to its miseries, a huge quantity of water taken out of the Ganga through numerous irrigation barrages are making the river shallow day by day.
  • Vikramshila Ganges River Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar State of India has been notified under the Wild Life Protection Act 1972 for conservation of Ganges River Dolphin.
• Text : Based on material provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of the Philippines and also through internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 1, 2009

Issued for : India Post by issuing Commemorative Postage Stamps on the Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, the Red Panda and the Marbled Cat of the North-East region, invites attention to the rich Zoological Heritage of India and the need to preserve this legacy for generations to come.

Credits :
Stamp design & FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each

Miniature Sheets : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The North–East of India is known as a geographical gateway for much of India‘s flora and fauna. The region comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. The region is endowed with a wide range of physiographic and eco-climatic conditions. The forests here are extremely diverse in structure and composition, combining tropical and temperate forest types, alpine meadows and cold desert. This area is one of the richest in biological values, high in endemism and holds a large number of rare species that are now under serious threat, as they are subjected to slash and burn or shifting cultivation, which leaves their habitat degraded and fragmented.
• Red Panda :
  • The Red panda has a rounded head, large erect pointed ears, a stumpy muzzle, and short hairy-soled legs which protect it from the cold and hide scent glands. These, combined with its bright chestnut colouring and ringed tail, are its distinguishing characteristics. The face and lower lips are white with a vertical red stripe form just above the eye to the gape. It has semi-retractile claws and a “false thumb“, really an extension of the wrist bone. The Red panda lives in the temperate forests of the Himalayas above 5000 ft. or so. The animal spends its day sleeping in trees, with its bushy tail wrapped over its head or its head tucked between its forelegs. In the evening it descends to the ground to hunt for food, climbing back to its roost in the morning. “Panda” is an Anglicisation of “poonya” which means “eater of bamboo”. It is also commonly known as the “Wah” because of its distinctive cry. Despite having a digestive system more suited to a carnivorous diet, it subsists primarily on bamboo in the wild. It is an excellent climber and forages largely in trees.
• Phayre‘s Leaf Monkey :
  • Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys are coloured greyish to black with the brow, hands and feet being black, and the upper arms, legs and tail, a silvery grey. They have a white patch around the eyes and on the upper and lower lips giving them an appearance of wearing glasses. Neonates are orange coloured young ones whose coloration changes after about 3 months of age. In contrast to the spectacled Langur, the Phayre’s Langur has an extended crested cap which occurs in all ages, sex and classes except the new born infants. The species, is slowly dying out, and 50 years hence this monkey might not survive, due to poor reproductive capacity. Living in dense forest, the monkey groups keep to the trees and seldom come to the ground even to drink, taking their water from dew or rain drenched leaves. They are vigilant, restricting their food to fruits, flowers and leaves of a large number of trees. They are shy and wary and quick to take fright or screen themselves between the foliage. In India they are found only in Tripura. Some might be temporarily migrating through the adjoining districts of Cachar and Karimganj of Assam and the Chittagong hill tract of Bangladesh. The entire group is very fond of newborn babies, each member trying to take and keep the baby in its custody.
• Marbled Cat :
  • The Marbled Cat is about the size of a domestic cat. Its head and body length is 45-62 cm (18-24) and it weights 2-5 kg. Its tail is extremely long and bushy. The background color of its fur varies from dark gray-brown through yellowish gray to red-brown. The flanks and back are strikingly marked with large, irregular, dark-edged blotches, the legs and under parts with black dots, and the tail with black spots and rings. There are spots on the forehead and crown, which merge into narrow longitudinal stripes on the neck and irregular stripes on the back.
  • The marbled cat is primarily an animal of moist tropical forests, but there is only anecdotal information on the specificity of its habitat requirements which range from mixed deciduous-evergreen forest areas and mountainous evergreen forests to secondary forests, clearings, six-year-old logged forest, and Dipterocarp forest. it has been found from sea level to 3000 m (10,000 ft.). Birds and rodents have been reported as likely forming a major part of its diet. Although previously considered primarily a nocturnal creature, recent observations of the cat have been made throughout the day.
  • Apart from Northern India the Marbled Cat is found also in Nepal, Guangxi and Yunnan (China), through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra (Indonesia), and Borneo. It is rarely seen in the wild due to its secretive nature and preference for remote forest areas.
  • The major threat to the marbled cat is habitat destruction caused by the felling of trees and the traditional shifting cultivation. It is intolerant of human disturbance, abandoning a forest that is even moderately disturbed. Poaching for skins, bones and meat may also be a threat.
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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