Believed to have existed on this planet for over one million years, the Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) sometimes called 'The Lily of Birds' in India and the 'Snow Wreath' in the Soviet Union, is one of the most endangered birds in the World.

Of the 15 Crane species left in the world, 5 can be seen in India; the Common Crane, the delicate Demoiselle Crane, the rare Black-necked Crane, the well known non-migratory Indian Sarus and the  Siberian.

Less than 200  Siberian Cranes, now exist, their numbers depleted by the disappearance of wetlands in Asia and by hunting. Nesting  in the  Tundra  regions of the Arctic in the Soviet Union, a small flock continues to migrate to India flying 6500 kms. to winter in Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur  (Rajasthan). During the winter of 1981-82, 38 birds were counted at Bharatpur. The rest migrate to  China and  Iran.

This great white bird with black primary feathers and a striking patch of red on the head, has a wing span which can exceed 8 feet. With a life span of over 60 years the Siberian pairs  for life. At Keoladeo sanctuary the usual family group of two birds and one chick can be seen feeding on sedge tubers, their primary source of food in India.

Pioneering efforts have been made to study this rare bird in their Yakutian breeding grounds, and along the River Ob in the Soviet Union. A captive breeding flock of 30 Siberian Cranes has been  established in the Soviet Union, West Germany, and at the  International Crane Foundation in the USA, In 1981 the first ever Captive-bred Siberian Crane was hatched, and three more chicks were bred in the spring of 1982. It is hoped that birds can eventually be reintroduced into the wild to strengthen the Bharatpur flock.

Scientists and conservationists from 25 countries are gathered at the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur to participate in the International Crane Workshop organised by Government of Rajasthan, Department of Environment, Government of India, International Council for Bird Preservation and International Crane Foundation to formulate programmes for conservation and research.

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a special stamp on the occasion.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India