M Lokeswara Rao I.F.S (Rtd)
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (Rtd) Nagaland
Butterflies and Moths are integral components of life on Earth, they contribute significantly to its rich biodiversity. Having likely first evolved around 150 million years ago and existing for at least 50 million years, these fascinating creatures have a long and storied history.
Comprising over 250,000 species, butterflies and moths are a highly diverse group, making up approximately one-quarter of all named species. India is home to approximately 1,318 butterfly species (which constitute 65% of total Indian fauna) out of a global total of about 19,238. butterflies and moths, exquisitely sensitive to environmental shifts, serve as invaluable indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence reflects biodiversity, as they are crucial components of the food chain. Therefore, their struggle to survive signals a serious environmental warning. Butterflies are significant pollinators, impacting a substantial portion of economically important crops, three-quarters of the world’s staple crops, and over 75% of flowering plants. Furthermore, the silk industry, the oldest fibre industry, relies on the silk moth. Their beauty and presence enrich our natural environment, bringing joy to our lives. The rapid decline of butterflies and moths due to habitat loss and climate change, serves as a stark warning about the health of our environment. Immediate and comprehensive conservation efforts are essential to protect these vital insects and safeguard the ecosystems they inhabit.
India, w
ith its diverse landscapes and climates, is a haven for a stunning array of butterfly species. Across the country, dedicated butterfly parks offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of these delicate creatures. The state butterfly of Sikkim “Blue Duke” (Bassaronadurga) special cover released by India Post, Sikkim was included in the book.
The book “Butterflies and Moths of India on stamps” is a unique attempt made by M.Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd,) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Forest Force (Retd.) to focus on philatelic material issued by India. It narrates the story of different species of Butterflies and Moths, their habitat destruction and conservation status. The book is divided into seven chapters with the chapters Butterfly on stamps, Butterfly on Postcards, Moths on Postcards. Butterflies and Moths Pictorial Cancellations, Butterflies and Moths Migration, Butterflies and Moths Conservation and Bibliography. Philatelic materials used in the book are issued by India Post, more than 220 philatelic materials like stamps, postcards, Maximum cards, special covers etc., are used. The author emphasis the philatelic materials are great conservation and education tool to bring awareness among people, especially children, to protect Butterflies and Moths. The narrative is fascinating, besides being visual delight for any reader.The narrative is fascinating, besides being visual delight for any reader. It will be useful to Butterfly and Moth watchers, environmentalists, foresters, philatelists and students and people of all walks of life.
Details of the Book
Book: Butterflies and Moths of India on stamps
Author: M. Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd.)
Year of Publication: 2025, A4 Size, Pages 114, all colour pages, Paper back
ISBN: 978-93-343-3179-0
Price of the Book: MRP: INR 1200, inaugural offer INR1150 inclusive of registered parcel
Contact Author: M. Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd.) M: 9436215175,
madirajul@gmail.com
