Millepex 2000 – Endangered Species Se-tenant Pair

Commemorative Stamp Set: Reptiles of India – Endangered Turtles

Design Elements:

• Olive Ridley Turtle:
• Stamp Design: Features the Olive Ridley turtle, highlighting its distinct olive-brown shell and yellowish underside. The design shows the turtle in its natural habitat, possibly on a sandy beach or swimming in coastal waters.
• Background Details: Includes elements like sandy sea beaches and coastal vegetation, depicting the turtle’s nesting grounds and foraging areas.
• Batagur Baska (Batagur Turtle):
• Stamp Design: Depicts the Batagur Baska in its typical muddy, tidal river environment with mangrove vegetation. The turtle is shown nesting on a sandbank or riverine island.
• Background Details: Features elements like muddy banks, riverine islands, and mangrove vegetation, emphasizing the turtle’s preferred habitat and nesting sites.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Olive Ridley Turtle:
• One of the smallest sea turtles found in the Indian subcontinent, notable for its large-scale nesting behavior along the Orissa coast. This species is vital for marine ecosystems and has been impacted by coastal pollution and habitat destruction.
• Batagur Baska:
• A large, web-footed terrapin, once abundant in the Hooghly River but now critically endangered. Its rediscovery and successful breeding in the Sundarbans highlight ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of protecting riverine and estuarine ecosystems.

Usage:

• These stamps are issued to raise awareness about the endangered status of these turtle species and the importance of their conservation. They are suitable for use in educational campaigns, wildlife protection initiatives, and philatelic collections.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

• The stamp set underscores the critical conservation needs of the Olive Ridley and Batagur Baska turtles. It serves as a reminder of the impacts of human activities on wildlife and promotes efforts to protect these endangered species and their habitats.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Olive Ridley Turtle Stamp: Illustrates the turtle on a sandy beach with its nesting area in the background. The turtle’s physical features and typical environment are captured in vibrant colors to highlight its importance.
• Batagur Baska Stamp: Shows the turtle in a riverine setting, with detailed illustrations of the muddy banks and mangrove surroundings. The design emphasizes the turtle’s habitat and the conservation efforts in the Sundarbans.

Significance:

• The release of these stamps during Millipex 2000 reflects the Department of Posts’ commitment to highlighting important environmental issues and fostering greater public awareness of endangered species and conservation efforts.