Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 3, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 250,000 |
| Perforation | 14½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Mr. Suresh Kumar Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 2914 Stamp Number IN 2773 Yvert et Tellier IN 2654 Stanley Gibbons IN 3117 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Birds | Mammals | Monkeys | Tigers | Wild Cats |
Commemorative Postage Stamp
India is globally recognized for its remarkable biological diversity, enriched by its unique biogeographical position, varied climatic zones and extensive geodiversity. According to the world’s biogeographic classification, India represents two major realms—the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan—and encompasses three major biomes: Tropical Humid Forests, Tropical Dry/Deciduous Forests, and Warm Deserts/Semi-Deserts.
Though occupying only 2.4% of the world’s land area, India harbours over 7.5% of the global animal species, with nearly 92,000 species documented so far.
Genesis and Legacy
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1 July 1916, with a mission to survey, explore, and research the rich animal diversity of the Indian subcontinent. Its roots trace back to the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (1814–1875) and later the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875–1916) in Kolkata.
Over the decades, ZSI has evolved into a premier national institution by expanding its scientific capacity, strengthening research programmes, and adapting to global conservation priorities—especially after India ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994.
Research, Exploration & Collections
Headquartered in Kolkata, ZSI today administers 16 Regional and Field Stations across the country. It serves as the custodian of the National Zoological Collections, an invaluable repository of more than one million identified specimens spanning all animal groups—from Protozoa to Mammals.
Its scientists undertake extensive field surveys covering:
- Systematic Zoology
- Animal Ecology and Behaviour
- Wildlife and Zoogeography
- Marine and Freshwater Fauna
- Population Studies
Research outputs are regularly published in ZSI’s journals and in reputed national and international scientific publications. In recent years, the Survey has adopted an integrated approach that combines biological, ecological, and cytotaxonomic studies for more purposeful and application-oriented research.
National Services & Capacity Building
ZSI provides vital services such as:
- Monitoring population status of commercially important fauna
- Recommending sustainable utilization strategies
- Issuing early warnings on declining species
- Assisting over 200 universities and research institutions through identification and advisory support
It also conducts specialized training programmes in taxonomy, insect and mite identification, and taxidermy, nurturing the next generation of biodiversity researchers.
A Century of Service
As ZSI approaches its centenary, it stands as a monumental knowledge bank for India’s present and future. Its contributions are central to the efforts of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, especially in wildlife conservation and biodiversity management.
To honour the enduring legacy and scientific excellence of this premier institution, the Department of Posts has happily issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Zoological Survey of India, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to the nation.