Product Overview

Description

The Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of India celebrated thier 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the launch of a commemorative stamp. The stamp is a symbol of the strong and enduring ties between the two countries and features the national birds of both Mauritius and India.

Mauritius Kestrel
The Mauritius Kestrel, Falco punctatus, was declared as the National Bird of Mauritius on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius on 12 March 2022. An endangered species, the Mauritius Kestrel is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It usually nests in natural cavities on cliffs, ravines and trees in the south-eastern and south western regions of the island. The upper part of the Kestrel’s plumage is brown with black barring, while the under part is white with dark spots.

Indian Peacock
The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. The male of the species is more vibrantly colourful than the female, with a glistening blue neck and chest, and a spectacu¬lar bronze-green tail comprising around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish and slightly smaller than the male, without the tail. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers, is a spectacular sight to behold.

The choice to feature these two national birds on the commemorative stamp highlights the unique natural heritage of both countries and emphasizes the importance of conserving and protecting their respective ecosystems.