Preservation of Nature on Slovakia stamps

In relation with the Preservation of Nature , Slovakia Post issued the stamps features specific dogs on 18th of April 2007. The dogs are Slovensky čuvač and Slovensky kopov which both breed in Slovakia.The face value of stamps are same, 31 sk.The issued product of stamps are one set of 2 stamps, one souvenir sheet as shown, FDC for each single stamp.

Slovensky čuvač

Early last century the čuvač was a popular breed in Slovakia.The characteristics of this breed, a robust body and thick white coat, are similar to those of mountain dog types. Slovensky čuvač size is 62-70 cm high. Slovensky čuvač moves with ease, quickly, and likes to run. Historically the Slovensky čuvač was a valuable helper to border guards, shepherds, and cattlemen. It protected sheep pens, chalets, and farms. This wide range of skills shows its immense value and character. Slovensky čuvač is a calm sheepdog, and if bred in suitable conditions displays not only inherited skills but also new tasks

Slovensky kopov

Slovensky kopov is not very sturdy; it has a height range from 45-50 cm (40-45 cm), and typically a black coat with brown to mahogany marks. The breed is extremely fierce; therefore it is used mainly for wild boars and vermin. It has a highly developed sense of orientation Slovensky kopov follows a fresh scent unwaveringly for several hours. However, it is also good at tracing shot animals. Nevertheless, Slovensky kopov is not a kennel dog. It works best when hunting individually. Despite its typically fierce character and temperament, Slovensky kopov is a cuddly and friendly companion.Currently, the Slovensky kopov is the highest-bred hound in Slovakia. On average, 300 - 400 puppies are registered annually.

Preservation of Nature -Slovakia

On 23th of October 2009, Post of Slovakia issued stamp series of protected animal which found in Slovakia. There species are the Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra) and the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis). Both stamps have same face value.

The Fire Salamander is a biggest salamander, measuring up to 20 centimetres in Slovakia and 30 centimetres in Europe. It has a wide head and robust cylindrical body ended by a tail. Its smooth skin has a number of pores through which it can discharge secretions from its poison glands, an action which is suggested by its alerting colour. It has a black body covered with a number of yellow-orange spots of varying size. Fire Salamander active at night and prefer deciduous, in particular, oak and beech forests on foothills or mountains. During the day salamanders like to hide in fallen leafs, under tree trunks or stones, in burrows of other mammals, and various clefts. Fire Salamanders occur throughout Europe, except Scandinavia, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean islands. They can also be found in Turkey and North Africa. The eastern border of their occurrence is delineated by the Carpathian range.The Fire Salamander is a protected species throughout Europe, including Slovakia.

The European Pond Turtle has a slightly curved shell. The upper part of the shell (the carapace) is up to 30 centimetres long, and is brown-black with many small whitish or yellow spots. The lower shell (the plastron) is yellow-white to light-brown and has variably dark (usually black) markings. The turtle’s skin on its limbs, tail, neck and the greater part of head is covered by scutes. It has five digits on the front feet, and four digits fused into paddles for swimming with sharp claws on its back feet. European Pond Turtles usually occur in still water or muddy and overgrown streams in lower altitudes.The turtles can remain submerged for long periods due to their strong breathing apparatus which consists of anal gland and oral cavity mucosa that can absorb oxygen from the water. European Pond Turtles are mostly carnivorous, usually feeding on insects, fish, crustaceans, earthworms, and amphibians, sometimes also dead animals, and their diet also includes vegetation.European Pond Turtles are found in Southern and Central Europe, Western Asia, and North Western Africa. In Slovakia they only occur within a few isolated areas of the Eastern and Western lowlands. In Slovakia, it is a critically endangered animal which is subject to the highest degree of protection.

Nature Conservation of Slovakia- Scarcest orchid.

In relation with theme of Nature Conservation, Slovakia Post Office issued the stamp series of the scarcest orchid family, Ophrys apifera (Bee orchid) , and Cypripedioidae calceolus (Lady’s Slipper orchid). T2 100 g of stamp depicted Cypripedioidae calceolus and T2 500 g of stamp depicted Ophrys apifera .

Ophrys apifera is the only representative of this genus capable of self-pollination, which means that it does not need to attract insects and rely on pollinators. The occurrence of Ophrys apifera in Slovakia is rare represent the flower’s most northern habitats. Ophrys apifera usually grows in the warmer parts of Western Slovakia, in meadows and shrubby slopes, thin forests and typically on limy soils which extend from lowlands to upland ranges. In Slovakia, this genus is represented by five species The Ophrys apifera or Bee orchid population declined due to to the destruction of biotopes and overgrowing. In addition to the conservation of individual localities, the species is also protected by law and listed in the Slovak Red List of Plants and Animals and subject to conservation under the CITES convention.

Cypripedioidae calceolus measures up to 60 cm with a creeping rootstalk, from which a stem sprouts with 3-5 alternate and 4-7 cm wide lanceolate leaves.This genus is to be found in Asia and North America, comprising about 20 species.The species can usually be found on the foothills or mountains of Northern Slovakia. Cypripedioidae calceolus prefers limy soils, deciduous forests, especially oak and beech, but it may also, though rarely, occur in conifer forests, edges of forests, and shrubby hillsides. The flower is also threatened by the destruction of biotopes and changes in the wood composition of forests.The species listed in the Red Slovak Red List of Plants and Animals, and subject to conservation based on the CITES convention.