Niue Shells 2012

Niue Post issued a miniature sheet consist of four stamps feature the Niue’s shells in year 2012.The shells depicted are the map cowrie (Leporicypraea mappa), geography cone (Gastridium geographus), partridge tun (Tonna perdix) and tiger cowrie (Cypraea tigris).

The $ 1.20 stamp represents the Map cowrie is common name of Mauritia mappa. 

It   is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries.The map cowry was named on the basis of its distinct color pattern, because of the longitudinal lines and the easily distinguishable and sinuous mantle groove, which creates a resemblance to ancient maps

This is considered an economically important species in the Indo-West Pacific, where it is usually collected both for food and for shell trading.

 

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.