In a significant move to promote wildlife conservation, India Post issued a special postal cover featuring the blackbuck of Kodiyakkarai (Point Calimere) Wildlife and Birds Sanctuary on World Wetlands Day, celebrated on Monday. The event, held in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, underscores the ecological importance of this key wetland area.
Celebrating Biodiversity and Conservation
Kodiyakkarai is renowned as a crucial wintering site for migratory birds, hosting over 250 bird species, including diverse waterbirds and land varieties. This sanctuary plays a vital role in maintaining regional biodiversity and ecological balance. The new postal cover aims to highlight the traditional, ecological, and conservation value of the blackbuck, an iconic species native to the area.
Unique Blackbuck Habitat in Tamil Nadu
The blackbuck population in Kodiyakkarai is one of only three distinct habitats in Tamil Nadu, with the others located in Guindy National Park in Chennai and areas near Sathyamangalam in Erode district. This makes the sanctuary a critical refuge for the species, emphasizing the need for ongoing protection efforts.
Design and Release Details
The special postal cover features a vibrant colour image of the blackbuck, a special cancellation stamp, and a Tamil inscription of the animal's name, enhancing its aesthetic and cultural appeal. Mariamma Thomas, the chief postmaster general of the Tamil Nadu circle, officially released the cover at the sanctuary during the World Wetlands Day celebrations.
Key officials present at the event included T Nirmala Devi, postmaster general of the central region; M Ganesh, assistant director of business development for the central region; and S Ganeshkumar, divisional postmaster of the Pattukkottai division. Their participation highlights the collaborative effort between postal services and wildlife conservation initiatives.
Previous Initiatives and Future Steps
This is not the first time India Post has focused on Kodiyakkarai's biodiversity. Previously, the postal department issued a set of six special covers highlighting migratory birds in the sanctuary, showcasing a continued commitment to environmental awareness. Following the release of the blackbuck cover, an advisory meeting was held for post office staff in the Kodiyakkarai region to discuss conservation strategies and community engagement.
The issuance of this special postal cover serves as a powerful tool to raise public awareness about wetland conservation and the protection of endangered species like the blackbuck. It aligns with global efforts to preserve natural habitats and promotes the rich ecological heritage of Tamil Nadu.
