Manipur Bush-Quail (Perdicula manipurensis)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 5, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 300,000 |
| Perforation | line13¼ |
| Printer | India Security Press, Nasik |
| Printing Process | Photogravure |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Mr. Suresh Kumar |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 2160 Stamp Number IN 2168c Yvert et Tellier IN 1925 Stanley Gibbons IN 2348 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN040.2006 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Birds |
A Rare and Endangered Bird of India
The Manipur Bush Quail is one of the rarest and most endangered bird species once found in North-East India. This small ground-dwelling bird traditionally inhabited dense stands of tall grasslands, where it moved and fed in small groups.
The Manipur Bush-Quail primarily feeds in open areas on a diet consisting of grass seeds, wild lentils, and insects. These grassland habitats provided ideal cover and food sources for the species. However, the destruction and shrinking of natural habitats—caused by agricultural expansion, land development, and environmental changes—have severely threatened its survival.
Historically, the species was endemic to the wet grasslands of the North-East region of India, but unfortunately, there has been no confirmed sighting of the bird since 1935. Because of this long absence from scientific records, the Manipur Bush-Quail is considered one of the most mysterious and possibly extinct bird species of the region.
Philatelic Tribute
Recognizing the ecological importance of endangered wildlife, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring the Manipur Bush-Quail as part of a special series highlighting endangered bird species of India. The stamp serves as both a tribute to the bird’s unique beauty and a reminder of the urgent need to conserve natural habitats and protect vulnerable wildlife.
First Day Cover
