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.