| Postal Stamp Image |
: |
 |
| Stamp Issue Date |
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07/02/1983 |
| Postage Stamp Dinomination |
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2.85 |
| Postal Stamp Serial Number |
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1076 |
| Postal Stamp Name |
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SIBERIAN CRANES AT BHARATPUR |
| Stamp Information |
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SIBERIAN CRANE
INTERNATIONAL CRANE WORKSHOP-BHARATPUR
7.2.83 NEW DELHI
Believed to have existed on this planet for over one million years, the Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) sometimes called 'The Lily Birds' in India and the 'Snow Wreath' i the Soviet Union, is one of the most endangered birds in the World.
Of the 15 Crane species left in the world, 5 can be seen in India; the Common Crane, the Delicate Demoiselle Crane, the rare Black necked Crane, the well known non-migratory Indian Sarus and the Siberian.
Less than 200 Siberian Cranes, now exist, their number depleted by the disappearance of wetlands in Asia and by hunting. Nesting in the Tundra regions of the arctic in the Soviet Union, a small flock continues to migrate to India flying 6500 kms. to winter in Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur. The rest migrate to China and Iran.
This great white bird with black primary feathers and a striking patch of red on the head, has a wing span, which can exceed 8 feet. With a life span of over 60 years the Siberian pairs for life. At Keoladeo sanctuary the usual family group of two birds and one chick can be seen feeding on sedge tubers, their primary source of food in India.
Pioneering efforts have been made to study this rare bird in their Yakutian breeding grounds, and along the river Ob in the Soviet Union. A captive breeding flock of 30 Siberian Cranes has been established in the Soviet Union, West Germany and at the International Crane Foundation in the USA. In 1981 the first ever Captive-bred Siberian Crane was hatched, and three more chicks were bred in the spring of 1882. It is hoped that birds can eventually be reintroduced into the wild to strengthen the Bharatpur flock.
Scientists and conservationists from 25 countries are gathered at the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur to participate in the International Crane Workshop organised by the Government of Rajasthan, Department of Environment, Government of India, International Council for Bird Preservation and International Crane Foundation to formulate programmes for conservation and research.
Indian Posts and telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a special stamp on the occasion.
(Text by courtesy : Anne Wright, Indian Board for Wild Life). |
| Philatelic Stamp Description |
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Description of Designs
The stamp design is based upon an oil painting (of Siberian Crane at Bharatpur) by Diane Pierce, kindly loaned by the Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. The first day cover design is based on a photograph by George Archibald. The cancellation has been designed by Badar Makhmoor. |
| Stamp Currency |
: |
R |
| Stamp Type |
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COMMEMORATIVE |
| Stamp Language |
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English |
| Stamp Overall Size |
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3.91 x 2.9 |
| Postal Stamp Print Size |
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3.55 X 2.5 cms. |
| Number of Stamps Per Sheet |
: |
35 |
| Stamp Perforations |
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13 x 13 |
| Postal Stamp Shape |
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Vertical |
| Postage Stamp Paper |
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Unwatermarked adhesive stamp paper |
| Indian Stamp Process |
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Photogravure |
| Number of stamps printed |
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20,00,000 |
| Stamp Printed At |
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India Security Press |
| Indian Stamp's Color |
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Multicolour |
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