Book Review

 

Book Review

Himalayan Birds on Stamps

By M.Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd.)

Himalayan Birds on Stamps by M. Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd.) Pages : 150 Size : A4 Type: Paper Back : Published By :The Write Order Publications : Price : Rs 1599 : Available with the author : email : madirajul@gmail.com WhatsApp : 9436215175 It is also available on Amazon

‘Himalayan Birds on Stamps’ by eminent philatelist and retired IFS officer Shri M. Lokeswara Rao is a very informative book on the stamps issued on the birds of Himalayas. The Himalayan Range is the highest Himalayan Range in the world and it is a confluence of the Trans-Himalayan Zone, Himalayan Zone, and Northeast Zone.These zones have Tropical, Temperate, and Tundra Types of Climate which makes them rich in their biodiversity of Flora and fauna. There are found a number of variety of birds in its vast area. Climate change is a major threat to birds. Its impact is seen in the shifting distribution of some sensitive species. The Himalayan countries are a group of countries that straddle the Himalayas. Himalayan countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan) have issued stamps on Himalayan Birds focussing on their protection and conservation.  

Climate change is a major threat as far as birds are concerned. The impact is visible in the shifting distribution of sensitive species. The avian population is an important indicator of the ecological balance. The impacts of climate change in the Himalayas are real. Increasing temperatures, melting glaciers, erratic and unpredictable weather conditions, and changing rainfall patterns, are impacting the habitat of birds in the Himalayan region. The book ‘ Himalayan Birds on stamps” focuses on how different philatelic materials issued by Himalayan countries can narrate the story of different species of Himalayan Birds. The author has used  Different available philatelic materials like stamps, stamp blocks, FDC, Miniature Sheets, Maxim Cards, Postcards, etc.to explain different species of the birds. The book also explains their conservation status and conservation efforts.

The book gives clear images of about 500 philatelic items. Separate chapters for Himalayan Birds of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. The book also gives the list of stamps, postcards, and other philatelic items issued on birds by respective countries. as well as the conservation status and scientific names of the birds.

The paper quality and printing of the book is very good. The color images used in the books are very sharp and clear which attract the reader at first sight. It is a must-book for Thematic Collectors, those collecting stamps on Birds, nature lovers, environmentalists, Bird watchers, Foresters as well as students of all age groups. The philatelic libraries must have this book for the reference of Thematic Collectors. I recommend this informative book for every Thematic Collector and stamp lover.

Shri M. Lokeswara Rao is a retired officer of the 1983 batch of the Indian Forest Service and a renowned philatelist of Bangalore. He has won several awards at International Philatelic Exhibitions. Shri Rao, the former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Nagaland, has released his third philatelic book titled, ‘Himalayan Birds on Stamps.’ His other books ‘Biodiversity of World on Stamps and ‘Buddhism on Stamps’ were published last year and won appreciation from philatelists all over the world. He has held different positions in the Government of India, Worked as Advisor Green Highways, National Highways Authority India, Ministry of Surface Transport, and Govt. of India and as Director (Protect Our species), and Earth Day Network. His articles are published regularly in National & International newspapers/Journals and magazines. He may be contacted at email : madirajul@gmail.com Mob.09436215175