Former Nagaland PCCF & HoFF M Lokeswara Rao, Rajendra Kumar CPMG Karnataka Circle and others during the release of the Rao’s 3rd philatelic book ‘Himalayan Birds on Stamps’ in Bengaluru on December 9.
‘Himalayan Birds on Stamps’ focuses on how philatelic materials reflects avian species
Dimapur, December 10 (MExN): The former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Nagaland, M Lokeswara Rao has released his third philatelic book titled, ‘Himalayan Birds on Stamps.’
The book was released by Rajendra Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, Bengaluru on December 9, who in his foreword for the book noted that it is a “must read” for all stakeholders- Bird watchers, environmentalist, foresters, Philatelists, students etc.
This is Rao’s third 3rd philatelic book after ‘Biodiversity of World on Stamps’ and ‘Buddhism on Stamps’ published last year with high accolades.
According to the author, the book focuses how different philatelic materials issued by Himalayan countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan, can narrate the story of different species of Himalayan Birds.
Different available philatelic materials like stamps, stamp blocks, FDC, Miniature Sheets, Maxim Cards, Post Cards etc. are included and the book explains different bird stamps released by Himalayan countries and their conservation status and conservation efforts, he shared.
Rao also informed that almost all bird stamps released by Nepal and Bhutan are related to Himalayan birds, while China, India and Pakistan too have some bird stamps of Himalayas.
Many migratory birds’ stamps of Himalayas were released by all countries, he added.
Divided into 7 chapters, the book highlights a country-wise Birds of Himalayas as well as their conservation of birds and conservation status of the birds in the annexure.
In a press note, Rao said that the Himalayan is a biodiversity hotspot but habitat loss due to land use change, illegal wildlife trade, forest fires and increasing anthropogenic activities are posing threats to avian population, he opined.
Climate change is the major threat and the avian population and their habitat, which are important indicator of the ecological balance, are being impacted by increasing temperature, melting glaciers, erratic and unpredictable weather conditions and changing rainfall patterns etc, he added.
Accordingly, Rao said that Himalayan countries have issued stamps to showcase the importance of Himalayan birds and, in some cases, the destruction of its habitat and the need for protection and conservation.
Postage stamps and philatelic products can be both a powerful conservation and advocacy tool, as they circulate widely in the world to create awareness among people, and especially among children, he maintained.
The book contains some visual elements of bold printing, appealing coloration, and a charismatic Himalayan bird can inspire positive responses to the people especially children, he added.
In India, the Himalayan region covers 13 Indian States/Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal.
