Macedonian shepherd dog. 2011

On November 4, 2011, Macedonia Post issued the stamp features the shepherd dog of Macedonia, Sharplaninec. The only one stamp issued.

The Sharplaninec is an ancient livestock guarding breed from the mountain region of Macedonia,Shar Planina.

The    Macedonian  Shepherd  Dog  was named  Sharplaninec because  its most habitat in Shar Planina mountain. The Sharplaninec was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

Eagle Birds of Namibia

Namibia Post issued the stamp series feature eagle species which almost found in surrounding the  Sahara Dessert of Africa on February 02, 2009. The depicted species on stamps are Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Bateleur, and Verreaux's Eagle .

Martial Eagle or Polemaetus bellicosus

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus), is a very large eagle ,member of the genus Polemaetus, found in open and semi-open habitats of sub-Saharan Africa.This is the largest eagle in Africa, with a length of 76–96 cm , weight of 3–6.2 kg  and a wingspan of 190–260 cm .These birds are more abundant in protected areas such as Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa, or Etosha National Park in Namibia.

The Martial Eagle suffers from persecution through shooting and poisoning, but also from indirect threats, such as collision with power-lines.Its conservation status was up listed to Near Threatened in 2009.

Garden Life

On May 28, 2011, the Marshall Islands Postal Service issued 12 new stamps featuring species of garden life. There are fauna and flora which usually found in the garden.

New Species found in Papua–Indonesia

On 5 November 2006, Indonesia Post commemorated the found of new species in Papua by releasing  the stamp set depicted the new plants and birds as part of them.

The design of four new postage stamps that are on the plants and animals that are found in environmental expedition in Foja Mountains, Papua, on December 2005.

Rare Endemic & Indigenous ferns of Norfolk Island

 

Norfolk Island is the home of the majestic Norfolk Island Pine and some 40 other endemic plants including a variety of ferns. These are a source of considerable interest to scientists and botanists in that they can be found nowhere else occurring naturally. The Norfolk Island Post issued stamp set features the Rare Endemic fern and Indigenous fern in 4 se-tenant stamps. The issue stamps was designed by Mary Butterfield.

The most important group of ferns as far as conservation values are concerned are the endemic taxa. These are Asplenium dimorphum, Cephalomanes bauerianum, Cyathea australis ssp norfolkensis, Cyathea brownii, Lastreopsis calacantha, Pteris kingiana, Pteris zahlbruckneriana and Tmesipteris norfolkiensis. All of these exist as healthy populations or individuals in the wild. All are found in areas that already have legal protection. Some also occur in important populations in areas not currently protected.

Netted Brakefern –20c

Pteris zahlbruckneriana - 20c

 

Pteris zahlbruckneriana  or Netted Brakefern is endemic fern in Norfolk Island and usually found in the forest on banks by the creeks. A number of plants in scattered populations in forest at higher elevation. Vulnerable but most of the populations are in protected areas.

Creeper's flowers of Vietnam

 

On 1st August 2006, the Vietnam’s  Ministry of Post and Telematics (MPT) issued the stamp series  "Creeper’s flowers" consisting of 4 values which  depicts Momordica blossom , Fragrant cynanthe flower , Bitter melon blossom, Fiber melon blossom 

 

The stamps are featured in a lively and realistic style that highlights the beauty of these flowers. These are 4 familiar species which are grown on trellis for decoration. Its fruits are also used as good foods and medicament. They are very common and can be seen anywhere throughout Việt Nam

Turtles of Pacific Ocean

Micronesia Post issued the stamp set features Turtles of Pacific Ocean in many type of issuance, one souvenir sheet, 4  postage stamps, and one miniature sheet consist of 4 postage stamps. The species of turtle depicted are Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Australian Flatback Turtle, Kemp’s Ridley Turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, Leatherback Turtle.

Green Sea Turtle – $ 1.56

The Green Sea Turtle or Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle, possessing a dorsoventrally flattened body covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace and a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although parts of the carapace can be almost black in the eastern Pacific.  Chelonia mydas is mostly herbivorous. The adults commonly inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of sea grasses.

Seals of Iceland–Part I

On 28th day of  January 2010, Iceland Post issued the first series of stamp set features fauna mammal, seal animal. The issue stamps contain of two postage stamps that depicted Harbour seal and Harp Seal.

Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most common seal species in Icelandic waters. They are found in coastal waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as those of the Baltic Sea. Only the harbour seal and the grey seal bear pups in near shore costal terrain in Iceland. The entire harbour seal population is estimated at 400- 500.000 individuals. These are social animals and can be seen in shoals off coasts.

Fairy Lily of Vietnam

 

Fairy lily are petite members of the amaryllis family.It is useful as a border plant in front of the shrubberies and can decorate windows when in shallow pots or bowls.

The Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications issued the stamp series  "Fairy Lily“  consisting of 2 values with the denominations of 3,500 đ and 10,500 đ, on the 30th of July 2010, The stamp set shown two petite members of Fairy Lily in Vietnam, Pink Fairy Lily (Zephyranthes carinata Herb) and Yellow Fairy Lily (Zephyranthes ajax Hort).

•  3,500 đ - Pink Fairy Lily (Zephyranthes carinata Herb)

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Zephyranthes carinata, commonly known as the rosepink zephyr lily or pink rain lily, is a perennial flowering plant native to Central America. They have with large bright pink flowers, around 10 cm , and green strap-like leaves. They are found naturally in moist, open areas, often near woodlands.The flowers develop into more or less spherical or three-lobed capsules. The seeds are shiny black and flattened.The funnel-shaped flowers are solitary, with pink to rose red perianths.

The European Carp - Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus

On the first day of April 2008, Vietnam Post released the stamp series features the European Carp or the common Carp, also known as Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus. The issue stamp consist of 4 postage stamps with different denomination.

The European Carp can be recognized by its small eyes, thick lips with two barbels at each corner of the mouth, large scales and strongly serrated spines in the dorsal and anal fins. The color is variable, but often olive green to silvery grey dorsally, fading to silvery yellow on the belly.

The European Carp are reported to grow to over one meter in length, and 60 kg in weight.Inhabit warm, deep, slow-flowing and still waters such as lowland rivers and large, well vegetated lakes .

Marine Life – Montserrat 2010

On February 12, 2010, Montserrat Post has issued the marine life stamp series that features the Basket stars, Sea Anemone, Spiny Lobsters, and Spotted Drum. Each of issue stamps have different nominal value,  $ 1.10, $ 2.25, $ 2.50, $2.75 and $ 5.0.

Basket Star – $ 1.10

 

The Basket  stars  are  a group of brittle stars and has characteristic many-branched arms. Their habitat  are deep sea with the life span  is up to 35 years in the wild. They weigh around  5 kg. Like other echinoderms, basket stars lack blood and achieve gas exchange via their water vascular system.The basket stars are the largest ophiuroids with Gorgonocephalus stimpsoni measuring up to 70 cm in arm length with a disk diameter of 14 cm.

Dolphin on Micronesia’s stamp

The Micronesia Post issued the stamp set features dolphin species, Southern Right Whale Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin, Chinese White Dolphin, and Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin on September 04, 2009

Southern Right Whale Dolphin -95c

Southern right whale dolphins  or Lissodelphis peronii are the only dolphins without dorsal fins in the southern hemisphere. They are smaller than northern right whale dolphins and have more white on their head and sides. They have slim, graceful bodies which are black on the upper side and white underneath. Their flippers are mainly white and are small and curved. Their flukes are small with a notch in the middle and concave trailing edges. Their beaks are small but distinct.

Vietnamese Orchids - 2008

On the first of March 2008, the Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) issued the stamp set: "Orchids" consisting of 4 values with their denominations of 800d; 2,000d, 6,000d and 8,000d.

The stamp set shows specialities Vietnamese orchids: Calanthe densiflora Lindl, Ludisia discolor (Ker-Gawl) A.Rich, Spathoglottis affinis de Vriese, Calanthe argenteo-striata C.Tang & S.Cheng. 

Orchid is one of beautiful and precious flowers. Orchids have diversified species. Each has own beauty. There are about 800 orchids species Vietnam, some of them are rare and precious ones with unique beauty and shape.

4-1: Calanthe densiflora Lindl.

Calanthe densiflora is a species of orchid from the genus Calanthe. Plant blooms in the fall with many 1.5 cm wide flowers.Plant is found growing in India, Myanmar, China, Taiwan and Vietnam at elevations of 160 to 1830 meters .Plants grows in intermediate to cool temperatures with shade. When potting Calanthe plants, the pseudobulbs must be half buried into the potting media.Plants should be watered regularly.

Wild Flowers of Gibraltar -2004

On January 31, 2006, Gibraltar Post has issued the definitive stamps 2004, features the wild flower of Gibraltar, which represented are Gibraltar restharrow, Paper-white narcissus, Gibraltar campion, and Sea daffodil.

Gibraltar restharrow or Ononis natrix

This variety of the species is endemic to Gibraltar.The plants grown on coastal sands, and can be found in large numbers on the East Side sand slopes. The wildflower have typical shape of the pea family and has yellow colour , around 1.5 cm across.

The Many-coloured Fruit-Dove

 

 

The Many-coloured Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus perousii), also known in Samoa as Manulua, is a small multi-coloured dove growing up to 250mm in length , as a species of bird in the Columbidae family.

The male dove is a pale yellow-white colour with a red-crimson crown and bar across its back. The female is mostly green and grey on the head and breast with a red-crimson crown and undertail-covert area  as red. These red-crimson coverts differentiate these doves from those of Fiji and Tonga where the coverts are yellow.

Niue Birds -2011

 

Niue is one of the world's largest coral islands. The terrain consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast with a central plateau rising to about 60 metres above sea level. A coral reef surrounds the island, with the only major break in the reef being in the central western coast, close to the capital, Alofi. A notable feature is the number of limestone caves found close to the coast.  A quarter of Niue consist of  virgin rainforest, it is little surprise that there is an equally stunning array of exotic birdlife complementing this island paradise.

 

While many fascinating birds call Niue home, this bird-themed stamp issued by Niue Post  features three of Niue's favourite species on July 06,2011.The individual stamps in this issue are depict bird species, Miti, Heahea, and Kulukulu.

New Zealand’s Beyond the coast

 

New Zealand’s 15,000 kilometres of coastline are home to magnificent coves, bays, harbours, sounds and fiords. Beyond this irregular coastline lies a roughly 4.3 million square kilometre exclusive economic zone that hosts an array of unique marine life. More than 15,000 species are known to live there, of which many are migratory. New Zealand's isolation means that a large number of these species are unique to our island nation, and scientists believe that many more have yet to be found. New Zealand’s varied marine animals are brilliantly portrayed in this vibrant stamp issue: Beyond the Coast.

he self-adhesive stamp sheet consists of 12 stamps (10 x 60c and 2 x $1.90 stamps), and  capturing a unique part of our stunning wildlife, this stamp issue really is a tribute to New Zealand ‘beyond the coast’

 

 

Unearth New Zealand’s unique marine animals really depicted in the stamp sheet.The stamp sheet depicts  a visual delight and  reflective of the diversity of New Zealand’s ecosystem. The white-faced storm petrel flutters above the surface of the water, while lurking below is a range of fish from the popular snapper to the yellow moray eel and the king crab in the depths of the ocean.

Weed Flowers of Norfolk Island

 

Norfolk Island is plentiful with many unpopular introduced plants commonly known as “weeds”. Many of these weeds, if taken time to notice, have beautiful flowers. So Norfolk Island Post issued the stamp series features the weed flower on February 6, 2007 and designed by Jodie Williams

 

 

Creeping Crofton Weed, 50¢ known as “William Taylor” after the gentleman who is thought to have introduced it to Norfolk, is a low sub shrub that takes over pastures.

Wildlife in Norway–Sixth series

On  January 03,  2011,  the Norway Post issued the sixth  wildlife series stamp. This issue stamps comprises of 2 postage stamps which feature the endangered species, Polar bear and Muskox.

Kr 17,00: Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) is reckoned to be the largest land predator in the world, rivalled only by the Alaskan Kodiak bear.A full-grown polar bear on Svalbard weighs about 500 kg and usually has a maximum life span of 25 years.

The population there is now estimated at about 1500. The polar bear is the very symbol of the northern polar areas. It is the dream of everyone who visits the Arctic can see this species. Like as penguins are the signature species of Antarctica.

THE ENDANGERED FAUNA OF CROATIA

 

On 15 March 2011, the Croatia Post  issued the endangered species stamp series in 3 postage stamps. This issue depicts the Elenora’s Falcon, the Brown Bear, and Mediterranean Monk Seal.

 

 

 Eleonora’s Falcon is a smaller species of falcon, 36 – 42 cm long, weighting 350 – 450 g and with wing span of 87 – 104 cm. It comes in two varieties – light and dark – and sexes are distinguished by the colour of eye ring and vax gland. With mail it is in yellow and with female in blue.

 

 

In Croatia there are 80 – 90 nesting pairs, which is somewhat more than 0,5% of the world’s population.  According to newest estimations total world population is 15.000 nestling pairs, of which more than 80% in Greece. Eleonora’s falcon is listed in Red Book as endangered species in Croatia (EN), and is strictly protected by law.

Eleonora’s falcon nests in colonies, laying two to four eggs on mostly unapproachable cliffs of islands at sea, in August and September. Croatia is an edge area for this species, and entire or almost entire Croatian population mainly inhabits the islands of Vis, Svetac and Biševo and the nearby islets, but single birds have also been spotted on the islands of Palagruža and Jabuka. 

Flowers of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Post  has issued the stamp series features the coastal flower which can live in shoreline. This issue stamps depict the Ipomoea pes-caprae, Hisbicus insularis, Suriana maritima and Morinda citrifolia.

Ipomoea pes-caprae, also known as Beach Morning Glory or Goat's Foot, is a common pantropical creeping vine belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. Goat's Foot is common on the sand dunes of Australia's upper north coast of New South Wales and can also be found along the entire Queensland coastline.

It grows on the upper parts of beaches and endures salted air. It is one of the most common and most widely distributed salt tolerant plants and provides one of the best known examples of oceanic dispersal. Its seeds float and are unaffected by salt water.

FRUIT- Cat`s head pear, Domesticated apple

 

The design of the stamps employs compositions reminiscent of still life and was issued on May 06, 2011. The HUF 145 stamp shows the domesticated apple and the HUF 310 stamp depicts the cat’s head pear. Both cultivars can be found in the Újfehértó Gene Bank Collection.

 

 

Domesticated apple - HUF145

Its origin is uncertain but it was certainly grown in the 16th century in France. In Hungary it is still grown in small gardens and vineyards on the Great Plain. It ripens in August. Its 240-300 g fruit is a flattened ball with a whitish yellow flesh and stripy skin, and there is also a single colour clone version. Its flesh is hard and highly acid with little flavour. It is favoured for its size and is widely used in cooking.

Blooms - Australian Cultivars

 

Cultivar is  a cultivated variety developed by selectively breeding in order to enhance or minimise traits common to other members of its species. Today’s gardeners owe much of their success to the availability of Australian cultivars. When selecting plants, modern gardeners look for more than just beauty. They demand plants that are hearty, disease resistant and easy to grow, no matter what colour their thumb. 

Five Australian flower cultivars are featured in this special issue of five stamps.The stamps feature Simon Griffiths’ superb photographs of the five cultivars. Each of the cultivars was photographed at the peak of its blooming period.

The cultivars in the stamp issue were specifically bred to produce spectacular blooms on hardy, disease resistant plants suitable for home cultivation. All are entirely Australian bred, and are widely available through commercial nurseries. Three of the featured Australian cultivars are from introduced species, the remaining two are natives.

  Hari Withers’ camellia:

The ethereal ‘Hari Withers’ camellia was bred by Dr R M Withers of Victoria and named in honour of his wife. Flowers average nine cm in diameter and appear mid-season on a fastgrowing, upright and spreading plant.

Described as formal double in style, they are very pale pink gradating to a deeper pink rosebud at the centre. ‘Hari Withers’ was registered in 1985 and is a Camellia x williamsii hybrid.

Australian Kingfishers

 

On October 26, 2010, Australia  Post released the stamp series depicts Australian Kingfishers, illustrated by wildlife artist Christopher Pope.This issue comprises of 4 postage stamps depicts Sacred Kingfishers, Blue-winged kookaburra, Yellow-billed Kingfishers, and Red-backed Kingfishers.

Kingfishers comprise a distinctive and spectacular group. There are 95 species worldwide, 10 occurring in Australia. Two species are endemic – the Red-backed Kingfisher and the Laughing Kookaburra – and eight are shared with other countries.

Kingfishers, which include kookaburras, belong to the bird order Coraciiformes, Its vary in size. The smallest species is around 10cm in length, the largest – the Laughing Kookaburra – is around 45cm. 

 
Sacred Kingfisher

In Australia, The Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus) is primarily a woodland kingfisher that occurs   in eucalypt forests, melaleuca forests, woodland and paperbark forests.It is 19–23 cm  long, and feeds on insects, small crustaceans, fish, small rodents and reptiles but reports of it eating small finches are rare. Sacred Kingfishers lay about five eggs.

Flowers of Azerbayjan–Definitive stamps 2011

In year 2011, Azerbayjan Post issued the definitive stamp features rare and endemic flower in  Azerbayjan, such as Gagea Alekxeenkoana, Centaurea ficher, Ophrys causcasica, and Galanthus causcasius.

Gagea Alekxeenkoana is a flowering plant in the genus Gagea of the family Liliaceae.The plant is found mainly in the Mediterranean region and central Europe.It is a less vigorous plant, growing to a height of 2–6 cm and normally having just a single pair of twisting, thread-like basal leaves, with one or two pairs of laneolate leaves, perhaps 1 cm wide, just below the flowers.

The flowers, of which there are usually no more than four on each plant, are yellow and have six petals; they are about 1½ cm in diameter. It grows mainly on dry grassland.

Centaourea Ficher is a critically endangered endemic species, which grows on  limited area around Golbasi district of Ankara province. It has attractive pink, red, purple flowers, the colours of which change with maturation. It has a high potential as out door ornamental plant and as cut flower. Its natural habitat is continuously on decrease because of uncontrolled plucking, intense construction activities and urbanization.

The most important reason why the generation of the species is endangered is strong anthropogenic pressure. Therefore, the protection of this plant is of great importance.

Ophrys caucasica is endemic species of the Caucasus and rare species. Its habitat in between rocks on the middle mountainous zone, on grass growing slopes and bushes.propagated by seeds and in a vegetative way.This species should be reserve because collection of flowers, change of the habitat due to the use of the area for economic purposes.Now it has been cultivating  in the Botanic Garden of the Institute of Botany of Azerbaijan .

Galanthus Caucasicus grows to a height of 0.15m and 0.08m in width. It has tapering foliage that is blue/green. It produces flowers during autumn/winter that are bell-shaped and white and green in colour. This plant is a deciduous bulb originating. from Turkey. Nodding white flowers with a green mark at the tip of each inner petal.

LiveJournal Tags: Azerbayjan,Galanthus causcasius,Ophrys causcasica,Gagea alekxeenkoana,Centaurea ficher

Hibiscus Flowers of Norfolk Island

Norfolk is sub tropical island. Hibiscus flowers are endemic to Norfolk and Philip Island. Therefore Norfolk Island chosen to issue the stamp feature its on 12 single stamps on 30th August 2005. Some lovely varieties lurking in backyards and hedges around the island awaiting to be discovered. One of them is The Philip Island Hibiscus (Hibiscus insularis) 

Birds of the Bailiwicks

 

On May 24, 2011,  Alderney Post issued the stamp series depicts birds of the Bailiwicks. This issue represented in many formats, a beautiful miniature sheet and single stamps. All issues depicts the bird species such as: Mediterranean Gull, Common Shelduck , Common Firecrest , Balearic Shearwater, Eurasian Woodcock   and   Little Grebe.

 

36p -Mediterranean Gull ( Ichthyaetus melanocephalus )

The Mediterranean Gull, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus, is a small gull which breeds almost entirely in Europe, mainly in the south east, especially around the Black Sea, and in central Turkey.

Bush Tucker

 

The Bush Tucker features five Australian plants traditionally eaten by Aboriginal people. The part of the plant consumed as depicted varies from the tuber (murnong); fruit (quandong and lilly-pilly); seed (acacia); and flower (honey grevillea). The featured plants are found in a range of climates and locations throughout Australia.

The plant foods are shown against a background of a woven basket or wooden coolamon. These containers, from the collections of the Museum of Victoria, are appropriate to particular regions where the foods are found.

The issue date of stamp is 3 September 2002 and designed by Janet Boschen from Australia Post Design Studio.
 

 
Lilly-pilly (Acmena smithii):

 

There are several varieties of lilly-pilly fruits that may be eaten. Acmena smithii or lilly-pilly , depicted on the stamp, grows best in the moist soil of mountain gullies from Victoria to Northern Queensland. The pale mauve or white berry-like fruits are pleasantly tart and juicy and can be picked and eaten raw from the tree. Acmena smithii is a common urban street tree. 

The flightless birds of New Zealand

 
As a supporter of Children’s Health Camps since 1929, New Zealand Post is proud to lend a hand once again with the 2011 Children’s Health stamp issue.
Te Puna Whaiora - the New Zealand Foundation for Child and Family Health and Development - specialises in helping at-risk children aged five to 12 to overcome barriers to healthy lifestyles. The 10-cent surcharge on each stamp in this issue goes directly to Te Puna Whaiora's seven Children’s Health Camps throughout New Zealand, each playing a crucial role in helping children and their families in times of need.
 
 

The flightless birds featured on the stamps are also in need of love and support. The kiwi, kākāpō and takahē were all once more abundant and widely distributed throughout New Zealand than they are today. It’s only through the ongoing help of conservation programmes that we are now able to enjoy these unique and precious birds.

Alderney’s dragonfly

Anyone visiting Alderney and hoping to see some dragonflies would do well to head for Mannez, in the east of the island, although true enthusiasts will want to contact kindred spirits at the Alderney Wildlife Trust (www.alderneywildlife.org).

 

 
Common Darter or Sympetrum striolatum (36p) is a resident species which most of us in the British Isles have probably seen, had we but known it.
 

The Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae native to Eurasia. 

It is one of the most common dragonflies in Europe, occurring in a wide variety of water bodies, though with a preference for breeding in still water such as ponds and lakes.

Giants of New Zealand

On year 2009, New Zealand Post celebrate the unique natural heritage with a “larger than life” illustrated issue, features five giant animal stamps, 28 % larger than normal stamps.

New Zealand’s biodiversity is one of the most unusual on Earth, owing to the lengthy isolation from other continents. Consequently the fauna reflect this uniqueness, envolving into distinctive and often enormous native birds, such as the giant moa and the giant eagle, archaic insects like the giant weta and mammoth ocean dwellers including the colossal squid and Southern right whale.

Giant Weta is species of weta in the genus Deinacrida of the family Anostostomatidae which has ten-centimetre-long and its horror-movie looks. Its a peaceful creature, eating mostly leaves, flowers and fruit. Most of Giant Weta are endangered and survives mainly on protected islands.

Giant wetas are endemic to New Zealand, and are examples of island gigantism.

Chinese Alligator

 

Estonia Post has issued the stamp features very rare crocodilian which bred in Tallinn zoo on October 4, 2001.This issue only one stamp and have marked zoo on the top corner and first day cover as seen on the bottom.

 

 

A smallish and very rare crocodilian living only on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It is estimated that there are no more than 300 - 400 Chinese alligators living in the wild. 

 

Besides local protective actions for the survival of the species the support of captive breeding programmes in zoos throughout the world is needed. Breeding the Chinese alligator, a number of zoos, among them Tallinn Zoo, have joined their efforts under the leadership of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York.

 
 

LiveJournal Tags: Estonia,Chinese Alligator,tallinn zoo

Australian Wildflowers - 2007

There are some 18,000 species of flowering plants native to Australia, grouped in about 200 families. Like the continent's distinctive fauna, the flora has evolved in isolation for 50 million years, and many plants and flowers are found nowhere else on earth. On February 13, 2007 , these stamps issued as  the third issue in the Australian Wildflowers series. 

Tasmanian Christmas Bell (Blandfordia punicea) is endemic to Tasmania. Its leaves are narrow and linear to one metre in length and one centimetre in width. It flowers in summer, with tubular, waxy clusters at the end of a stout stem up to one metre in length. Its flowers are up to four centimetres long and two centimetres wide, and it prefers moist acid soils in heathlands.

 

The Green Spider Flower (Grevillea mucronulata) is widespread from coast to mountains, in open forest and woodlands in New South Wales. Flowering in winter and spring, it is a spreading shrub to 2.5 metres high with reddish branches.

The flowers are green and in spider-like racemes about five centimetres across. Each flower has a hairy, dark purplish-red style to two centimetres long with a green tip.

Sturt’s Desert Rose  or Gossypium sturtianum  is  wildflower that widespread in the dry inland regions of mainland Australia. Flowering most of the year, it is found mainly in rocky gullies but also on sand plains. The hibiscus-like flower is a delicate lilac with a red throat spot.

The bush is an erect, open shrub growing up to two metres high and its hairless, blue-green leaves are scented when crushed. The plants are perennial and live for about 10 years. Sturt’s Desert Rose is the floral emblem of the Northern Territory.

Phebalium whitei is the yellow-flowering shrub which is restricted to the granite outcrops of border ranges in Queensland. This spreading and open shrub reaches one metre in height and flowers in spring. It has brownish branch- lets which bear conspicuous clusters of one to six flowers and rusty-coloured buds.

LiveJournal Tags: wildflower,Australia,Phebalium whitei,Sturt’s Desert Rose,Green Spider Flower,Tasmanian Christmas Bell,flora

Young Animals - Cricetus Cricetus

The Postal Administration of the Czech Republic issued a single stamp features the young animal, the European hamster or Cricetus Cricetus on June 15, 2011 .

The European hamster (Cricetus Cricetus) is a species of hamsters relative to voles and have prominent distinguishes are  a medium-sized, stout-bodied animal with short legs. The tail is short and furred.Unlike a marmot, the European hamster is more colourful, with yellow to orange brown dorsal fur with black ends, and a dark brown to black chest and belly. The top head fur is reddish, with white or yellow patches behind the ears and on the nose (and on the front legs). The animal changes its rather thick coat colour once a year. 

The European hamster is a nocturnal species. It is an excellent runner and jumper. It lives in separate burrows, consisting of tunnels 6-8 cm in diameter, nesting chamber, hibernating chamber, food and storage chambers and droppings chamber. It can burrow as deep as 2 meters in winter months when it hibernates. The European hamster's diet consists of grains, seeds, plants, insects and baby young nesting birds.

It is native to a large area extending from south-west Siberia (the Yenisey river) to Belgium and north-east France. It started spreading from its original habitat on steppes into central Europe during the extensive deforestation period, significantly earlier than marmots; its remains were found on neolithic archaeological sites dating back some 6-7 thousand years. 

In the Czech Republic it lives in an open landscape.  The population has been steadily increasing, reaching very high levels in some regions (around the Labe River, in south Moravia, etc.), although its occurrence in areas more than 500-600 meters above the sea level is rather rare.

del.icio.us Tags: European hamster,Czech Republic,Cricetus cricetus

“WHITE - TAILED SEA EAGLE”

On October 08, 2011, Lithuania Post issued a single stamp features the White-tailed Sea Eagle as member of the Red Book of Lithuanian. The stamp has designed by I.Balakauskaitė.

The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), also known as the Sea Eagle, is the largest bird of prey breeding in Lithuania, the first nest of which was discovered in 1987 in the Čepkeliai Reserve.

The preferred habitats of white-tailed  eagles are the forests located close to sea bays, large rivers or lakes, or fish farms. These birds build their nests in the trees growing close to open localities such as marshes in bare soils, woodcutting places, or sites in forests. White-tailed eagles feed on fish, seabirds, and mammals.

At present, the white-tailed eagle is included in The Red List of Threatened Species and The Red List of Lithuania. The main reason for the decrease in the population of species is active economic activities in forests. Also, they supplement the trophy collections of poachers, die as a result of careless perching on utility poles or affected by chemical pollutants ingested through prey.

del.icio.us Tags: Lithuania,The White-tailed Eagle

Bush Birds of Norfolk Island

The Norfolk Island Post issued the stamp series features the bush birds on August 18, 2009. The stamps are designed by Tracey Yager and comprised of 4 single stamps with different of face value.

The Bush birds of Norfolk Island depicted in this issued are The Grey Fantail, The Pacific Robin, The Golden Whistler, and The Sacred Kingfisher. The above mentioned birds are unique to Norfolk Island.

The Grey Fantail on 15 c stamp:

Mainly dark grey plumage, paler below with brownish wings. A delicate white eyebrow, and a white line behind the eye are balanced by the white band around the dark grey throat. Sexes are alike.

The Pacific Robin on 55 c stamp:

The male robin has a bright red breast, black head, back and wings, with contrasting white spots on the head and forewing. The female is subdued brown with a pale wash of apricot on her breast.

The Golden Whistler on $1.40 stamp :

Brown plumage on both the male and female. A soft gold is present all year around the under-tail area, the wing edges and flanks, becoming brighter in breading season. Some birds have a brown and white speckled chin and throat.

The Sacred Kingfisher on $2.05 stamp :

Colour can range from deep dark blue through to blue-green and aquamarine on the wings, head and back with a white collar. The breast may be white or shaded to a creamy buff. Juveniles are darker with a black mottled upper breast. Sexes are alike.

Tulip flower

The Marshall Islands Postal Service Authority issued six new stamps featuring beautiful tulips on January 11, 2011. The stamps issued in se-tenant and have many colour.

The meaning of tulips is generally perfect love . Like many flowers, different colours of tulips also often carry their own significance. Red tulips are most strongly associated with true love, while purple symbolizes royalty. The meaning of yellow tulips has evolved somewhat, from once representing hopeless love to now being a common expression for cheerful thoughts and sunshine. White tulips are used to claim worthiness or to send a message of forgiveness. Variegated tulips, once among the most popular varieties due to their striking colour patterns, represent beautiful eyes.

Tulip is  graceful garden flower that actually an exotic native of Asia Minor. The first bulbs found in Europe came to Vienna, Austria, from Constantinople in Turkey. A passionate interest in the flower resulted, and by the 17th century the tulip reigned as the most popular flower in many European countries. Tulips became so highly-prized that prices were sent soaring and markets crashing. Tulips are now grown throughout the world, but people still identify cultivated varieties as "Dutch tulips."

Tulip cultivation remains a vital industry in the Netherlands, where hundreds of thousands of cup-shaped flowers herald the advent of spring and the opening of the season's bulb markets.

BuzzNet Tags: flower,tulips,marshall island stamp

Flora 2011 of Armenia

Armenia Post released the flora-fauna stamp series on February 02, 2011, that features the rare flora of Armenia, Sambucus Tigranii and Fritillaria  Armena. The issued stamps designed by S. Azaryan in multicolour and have same nominal value .

Sambucus tigranii, is very rare species and found in the resort of Arzni, Mt Aragaz, and the Ervard Ravine, Armenia. It is endemic to Armenia.A shrub grows along the river gorges, stony slopes, and dry places. It can reach 3 m in height.Sambucus tigranii is a species of plant in the Adoxaceae family and has huge scientific and practical value. It is high decorative plant.

Fritallaria armena is a dwarf species varying from 15-25cm tall with lovely glaucous foliage clustered around a short stem, below a deep garnet bell which shows red highlights in the sunshine. Fritallaria armena is a perennial with whorls of lance-shaped to linear, medium-green leaves reaching only 3 to 6 inches in height. The flowers are borne singular on stalks. They are cup-shaped and more narrow, only 3/4 inches long, pendant, with a checkered, dark purple-brown colour.

BuzzNet Tags: Sambucus tiranii,Fritallaria armena,Armenia,Flora

Jersey Marine Life IX

The ninth issue in the Marine Life series of Jersey features Squirts and Sponges. The stamps have issued on April 7, 2011 and consist of six single stamps, one souvenir sheet.
 

Sea squirts, or tunicates, belong to the invertebrates family of marine animals.

Tunicates (Sea squirts), are  members  of   the  subphylum  Tunicata  or Urochordata. Now commonly known as sea squirts and sea pork. They are found from the intertidal zone to the deepest depths, permanently fixed to a surface. Some live individually, others live in groups or colonies.

The species of Squirt and Sponges depicted on stamps are :
37p (LSL), Mint - Gooseberry Sea Squirt
42p (LPL), Mint - Yellow Finger Sponge
50p (UK), Mint - Purse Sponge
60p, Mint - Star Squirt
72p, Mint - Light Bulb Sea Squirt
80p, Mint - Red Sea Squirt.

Sponges, also, known as 'Porifera', meaning 'pore-bearing', draw the water in through a complex of pores and canals. Sponges are animals of the phylum Porifera. Their bodies consist of jelly-like mesophyll  sandwiched between two thin layers of cells.
While all animals have un-specialized cells that can transform into specialized cells, sponges are unique in having some specialized cells that can transform into other types, often migrating between the main cell layers and the mesophyll in the process.

Sponges  do not   have  nervous,  digestive  or circulatory. Instead, most rely on maintaining a constant water flow through their bodies to obtain food and oxygen and to remove wastes, and the shapes of their bodies are adapted to maximize the efficiency of the water flow. (Resources: Wikipedia)

Flickr Tags: Marine Life,Jersey,Sponges,Sea Squirts

Pacific Year of the Coral Reef

 

1997, as part of a global campaign has been designated Pacific Year of the Coral Reef. Coral reefs with their immense diversity and myriad of colours are among the most productive and important ecosystems in the world .Coral reefs are home to a huge array of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and worms.Coral reefs are important as a resource to island nations. The increasing pressure on the reef ecosystems however, has made it necessary to implement an awareness campaign to highlight the importance and fragility of coral reefs.

There are over 148 species of hard coral (Sceractinians) and soft coral (Alcyonarians) within the waters of the Fiji Islands. Several species have depicted on the stamps which are issued for commemorating the Pacific Year of the Coral Reef.

 

63 cents - Pocillopora verrucosa (Ellis and Solander, 1786)

 This species has a wide geographic distribution, being found from the Red Sea and Eastern Africa throughout the Pacific.This hard coral is common in the shallow waters of the lagoon and reflect, but occurs as thickly branched colonies in the wave affected areas of the reef slope.Colonies are characterised by branches with small protuberances (verrucae) on them. The branches are thicker and more compact where there is wave action, with a more open appearance in protected areas such as lagoons.

87 cents - Favia rotumana (Gardiner, 1899)

It was hard coral found on the upper reef slopes and in the pools on the flat reef. Its growth form is messy and usually hemispherical or rounded. The corallites are irregular in shape, with the polyps often containing more than one centre or mouth. Its robust growth form makes it resistant to wave action. Tolerance of the environmental variation (turbidity, temperature and salinity fluctuations) in the shallow reef flat zone allow colonisation of a variety of reef habitats. Its range extends from the South China Sea throughout the Eastern Pacific to the Samoas.

$1 - Sinularia sp.

  This is soft coral. They can be distinguished from hard corals from their large fleshy colonies, which are soft or leathery in nature without a rock-like skeleton.The living polyp has eight tentacles (Octocorals), for feeding, whereas the hard corals have six or multiples of six (Hexacorals). They are common on the back reef margin of the barrier and inshore on fringing reefs where there is a silt or turbid environment. They are the dominant organism on some reefs, completely covering large areas to the exclusion of all else.

 
$3 - Dendronephthya sp.

This is the most colourful of soft corals appearing as iridescent reds, pinks and yellows. Their bright colour is due, in part, to the lack of the small, unicellular algae which live in the tissues of most hard and soft corals. As a consequence, the preferred habitat is deeper water, in shaded areas under overhangs and the entrance to caves. They occur on offshore reefs where there is clear water and good circulation. The colonies from branching tree-life colonies where the polyps are borne on the end of the branches. They have prominent skeletal spicules or sclerites which provide defence and give the colony a spiky appearance.

 

LiveJournal Tags: Coral reef,Fiji