Hump-Backed Masheer

A Special Cover on Hump-Backed Masheer was released during the 67th Wildlife Week on 2nd October 2021 at Bengaluru.

Hump-Backed Masheer.Hump-backed Mahseer (Tor remadevii] also called as "Orange- finned Mahseer' is a charismatic freshwater fish. endemic to river cauvery and its tributaries. which is on the brink of extinction. It is recognized as one of the world's top 20 freshwater mega fauna and is popularly known as the "Tiger of the Cauvery River". It is characterized by a distinctive "hump-shaped back and orange tinged fins". Mahseer plays a very vital role in balancing the riverine ecosystem by feeding on everything from fish. frogs, crabs, aquatic insects. worms, fruit, seeds, leaves and algae. This Special Cover is released to create awareness among the public towards this "Critically endangered" species which is on the list of International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) Red List, as it is threatened by poaching, destructive fishing methods. introduction of invasive and competing fish species. pollutants and habitat degradation.

Cover Code: KTK/48/2021

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru.