Saturday, May 11, 2013

Fauna of Hungary 2013

 

Magyar Posta issued the stamps present the breeds and species of animal indigenous to Hungary on stamps on April 09, 2013. The issuance features the protected predatory and insectivorous mammals like : the stoat, pygmy shrew, European lynx and greater mouse-eared bat  on the stamps in the series, and the northern white-breasted hedgehog is shown on a numbered stamp block.

 

Magyarország állatvilága hermelin

Stoat (Mustela erminea) •

 

The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the short-tailed weasel, is a species of Mustelidae native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip.

This long, slim animal favours damp habitats and avoids closed forests. It mainly eats small rodents and birds. It is an opportunistic, skilful predator.

Its winter coat is entirely white except for the black tail, and in the summer its coat is sandy brown on the back, white on its belly and chest, and black at the tip of its tail.

The stoat is classed by the IUCN as Least Concern, due to its wide circumpolar distribution, and because it does not face any significant threat to its survival. It is listed among the 100 "world's worst invasive species".

 

Magyarország állatvilága cickány

Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus) •

Active throughout the day and night, the  pygmy shrew lives in undergrowth and leaf litter and lives off small insects and invertebrates.

 

It has an average weight of 4 grams and has one of the highest metabolic rates of any animal, meaning it must eat at regular intervals — every two hours or so.

It inhabits dry shrubby areas with abundant vegetation, avoiding closed forests.  In winter it spends about 50 per cent of its active time above ground, which means it can easily fall victim to owls.

It reproduces several times a year, giving birth to 4 to 7 cubs on each occasion.


 

Magyarország állatvilága hiúz

European lynx (Lynx lynx) •

Lynx preys largely on small to fairly large sized mammals and birds.

The lynx prefers extensive dense forests. Besides its spotted coat and distinctive beard, a distinguishing feature is the tuft of fur at the tip of its ears.

The European lynx is the largest lynx species, ranging in length from 80 to 130 cm  and standing about 70 cm  at the shoulder. The tail measures 11 to 25 cm in length.

It has excellent hearing and touch. Its long limbs and muscular body enable the animal to leap 3 to 4 metres to pounce on its prey even in deep snow.


 

Magyarország állatvilága denevér

Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) •

 

Myotis myotis, is an European species of bat in the Vespertilionidae family. Its lifespan is over 20 years.

 

It favours open, sparsely wooded areas but also lives in residential areas. It spends the winter in caves.

Hungary’s most common bat is active at night and is gregarious. This insectivorous mammal catches its prey using high frequency sounds and echolocation.

It is relatively large for a member of the Myotis genus, weighing up to 45 grams  (a little larger than a house mouse, Mus musculus), making it one of the largest European bats.

 

Magyarország állatvilága blokk

Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) •

 

The Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) is a species of hedgehog. This nocturnal animal lives among dense undergrowth in sparse woodland, among bushes and in gardens and parkland.

Its sharp teeth are effective not only for capturing earthworms but they can also easily bit a snake in two. It has a thick coat of spines and an undercoat of fur.

The black and white banded spines harden shortly after birth. Its breast is covered in white fur. It has well-developed skin muscles, allowing it to curl up in a defensive ball. It hibernates and females have two litters a year. It can live up to ten years. Source: hu.wikipedia.org

 

 

Magyarország állatvilága sor FDC

 

The other issues are two of First Day Cover which sealed with stamp series and souvenir sheet. The both covers shown the Northern white-breasted hedgehog on the left side and special post mark.

 

Magyarország állatvilága blokk FDC

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