INDIAN WILDLIFE Fauna and flora are not only nature's gift to mankind but also vital elements in the biosphere that supports human life on this fragile planet. Forests and wildlife are intricately interwined in our ecosystem and each draws sustenance from the other and in turn forms biocoenetic relationship with man. However, man often fails to realise the vital relationship. As more and more trees are falled to meet the growing need for wood, as more and more forests are cleared to provide land for human use, the wildlife habitat is constantly, and often irretrievably, shrinking. Industrial effluents also contribute to degradation of natural habitat.

Shrinking forests, degradation of habitat, indiscriminate decimation at the hands of poachers have resulted in many species of fauna being forever lost to mankind, many being gravely endangered and threatened. Time is at hand for a concerted and multidimensional global efforts to protect and preserve wildlife for the prosperity. In order to focus attention on the urgent need for conservation, Indian P & T Department brings out a set of two stamps on Lion-Tailed Macaque and Golden Langur, two endangered indigenous primates, during the National Wildlife Week. LION_TAILED MACAQUE (Macaca ilenus) The home of this species of primate is the tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats in South India. Formerly ranging freely from Goa to Kanyakumari along the Western Ghats, it is now restricted to the Nilgiris, the Cardamom Hills, the Anaimalais and Periyar.

It is generally found in the evergreen forest belt at the altitudes of 800 m to 1300 m. It has a glossy black coat, thick mane and a tufted tail. Shy and seclusive by nature, it confines itself to treetops and is therefore difficult to encounter in its dense, dark forest environment. It feeds on fruits, roots and insects. The continuous assault on its habitat has reduced its population in the wild to about 200.

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