Book front jacket.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Mumbai: In a unique initiative combining hobby with conservation, Mintage World, the world’s first online museum dedicated to vintage and modern coins, stamps, and currency notes has come out with a compilation that celebrates parrots.
The unique coffee table book titled “Endangered Parrots of the World on Stamps, Coins and Banknotes” - celebrates the vibrant beauty of parrots while shedding light on the critical conservation challenges these beloved birds face.
National Bird Day is celebrated on 5 January every year - and this book is an addition to the treasure.
The book offers a rich visual experience, featuring over 459 stamps, 37 coins, and 12 banknotes from around the world, each representing a different parrot species.
Among the featured species are the rare Imperial Amazon from Dominica, the African Grey Parrot, the Cockatoo from the Philippines, and Lear’s Macaw from Brazil.
Each stamp, coin, and banknote is accompanied by detailed historical and geographical context, making this collection both an artistic masterpiece and a valuable resource for bird enthusiasts and collectors.
The coffee table book goes beyond being a mere collectible.
It is a powerful tool for raising awareness about the serious threats parrots face, including illegal pet trade, deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss. By categorizing the species into five major groups—Extinct (EX), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), and Nearly Threatened (NT)—the book provides readers with a clear understanding of the various levels of risk these birds face.
Mintage World CEO Sushilkumar Agrawal said in India, parrots hold a special place in our cultural and historical narratives, from ancient texts and paintings to popular epics and folktales.
“As a lifelong lover of wildlife, my journey into the world of endangered parrots is fuelled by a deep commitment to understanding and protecting these exceptional birds. I have sought to explore and document the often-overlooked stories of these susceptible parrot species worldwide, uncovering the devastating realities of their illegal trading along the way,” said Agrawal.
“This book is not just a collection but a heartfelt mission to raise awareness, combining my passion for nature with the storytelling potential of Mintage World. With this book, we aim to pay tribute to these cherished creatures and raise awareness about their challenges. This collectible has been in the making for a long time, ensuring that every detail is accurate and authentic,” he added.
The stamps, coins, and banknotes featured in the book are more than just collectibles; they are a testament to the global effort to preserve our avian heritage. Crafted in silver, nickel, gold, copper, and bronze, the coins showcase intricate designs that reflect the diverse habitats and unique characteristics of different parrot species. The stamps, with their vibrant colours and exquisite details, capture the essence of these birds, while the banknotes highlight the importance of biodiversity and the global commitment to conservation.