The Majestic Owls–Marshall Islands 2008

On November 5, 2008, the Marshall Islands Postal Service issued six new stamps celebrating owls. Featuring artwork by world-renowned wildlife artist Michael Warren, the stamps depict six majestic owls: the Barn Owl, the Barred Owl, the Burrowing Owl, the Snowy Owl, the Great Horned Owl and Spotted Owls.

The Ba Bể National Park and its fauna.

To introduce the rich diversity, as well as contribute to advocacy to raise awareness of people to maintain, preserve the biodiversity development in this place, on May 15th, 2011, the Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications issued the stamp series "Animals in Ba Bể national park" consisting of 4 values and 1 block with their denominations of 2,000 đ; 3,500 đ; 6,000 đ; 8,500 đ and 14,500 đ. There are two kind of the official first day cover has issued  depicts Acanthosaura lepidogaster and Catopuma temminckii respectively. The cover has a special postmarked.

Ba Bể national park is located on the territory of Bắc Kạn province, Northeast Vietnam with 7.610 hectares, include the central is Ba Bể Lake of 500 hectares wide. In 1995, Ba Bể Lake was recognized as one of the world’s 20 special freshwater lakes. It is located about 240 kilometers northwest of the capital city Hanoi. In 2004, the Ba Bể national park was recognized as the ASEAN Natural Heritage.

Animals in Con Dao national park (Dugong)

To further propagandize for the conservation and protection of this endangered mammal, On the first of August, 2007, the Vietnam’s Ministry of Posts & Telematics (MPT) issued the stamp series: “Animals in Con Dao National Park (Dugong)” consisting of 4 values with the denominations of 800d; 1,000d; 7,000d and 9,000d respectively.

Con Dao National Park  is a natural reserve area on Con Dao Island, in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in coastal southeastern Vietnam. The park includes a part of the island and the surrounding sea. The national park is characterized by a diverse ecosystem. Many species of corals and especially the sea turtle and dugong are found here.The dugong's current distribution is reduced and disjunctive, and many populations are close to extinction. The IUCN lists the dugong as a species vulnerable to extinction.

Herons of the Reef - Vanuatu

 

Vanuatu Post has released the heron stamp series, features Reef Heron  or Ardea (Egretta) sacra on February 07, 2007. Sometime call as Pacific Reef heron.

This issued stamp is represented in miniature sheet, consist of 5 postage stamps which depicts its life since the chicks till adult.

 

The species displays an unusual, non-sexual dimorphism, with some members having entirely white plumage and others (the larger portion) being charcoal-grey. The reason for the color variation or "morph," is unknown, though it is most commonly thought to be related to camouflage.

Forest 2011 – Czech Republic

The largest alluvial forest in the Czech Republic grows at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje rivers. Residual alluvial forests can be found in the area of the confluence of the Labe and Cidlina rivers (Libický Alluvial Forest Natural Reserve), and on the banks or in the headwater area of the Morava and Dyje rivers.

This year's PostEurop announced the annual theme  is "Forests". Therefore the Czech Post issued the single stamp depicts the alluvial forest and its environment on May 4, 2011. This stamp was designed by Adolf Absolon.

The presence of a stream or river, or a high level of underground water leads to a lower amount of oxygen in the soil and subsequent reduction processes. The products of the processes contribute to the typical bluish colour and special smell of the so-called gley soil.

Primary trees found include poplar (Populus L.), oak (Quercus L.) , ash (Fraxinus L.) , elm (Ulmus L.) , alder (Alnus L.) , willow (Salix L.) , lime tree (Tilia L.) . Shrubs and small trees, such as cherry (Prunus serotina) , honeysuckle (Lonicera) , cornel (Cornel) , viburnum (Viburnum) , elder (Sambucus) , are present at places with more light.

The 25th Anniversary of The Norfolk Island National Park.

In this issue Norfolk Island Post  issued  4 postage stamps to celebrate 25 years of the Norfolk Island National Park on June 24, 2011. Four endangered endemic plant species are featured in this issue, which recognises the years of hard work by the park rangers and conservation volunteers. The featured species are the Norfolk Abutilon, Hibiscus Insularis, the Popwood, the Broad Leaf Meryta.

 The 25¢ stamp  features the Norfolk Abutilon, Abutilon julianae . This low growing plant was rediscovered on Phillip island in 1985.  Along with other species in imminent danger of extinction the Abutilon plants propagated from this single plant have been actively planted back on Norfolk Island.

In rehabilitation works around the parks and gardens, this Abutilon should not be confused with the Common Abutilon A grandiflorum which also grows on Norfolk but is a weed and grows into a shrub, where this endemic variety is more like a ground cover in habit. 

Protected Landscape Area - Žďárské Hills

 
 

On 16th of June 2010, the Czech Post has issued the nature stamp series depicted the Protected Landscape Area Žďárské Hills. This issue only one postage stamp.

The Protected Landscape Area Žďárské Hills is located on the border of the Pardubice and the Vysočina regions (the latter was established in 1970). 46% of the protected area, sized 70,940 ha, are forests, 44% farming land, 1.9% water areas, and the rest are built-up areas. The elevation above sea level varies from 490m to 836.3m.

 

 

The diverse landscape of the Ždárské Hills is characterized by its frequently changing pattern of meadows, pastures, fields, forests and ponds, the irregular network of field boundaries, narrow-sunken roads, small woods or groups of trees and bushes.

Fishes of Belarus Reservoirs

On August 18, 2011 the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus issued 2 postage stamps of the series “Fishes of Belarus reservoirs”. The  depicted species  are Burbot, and Pike . 

The burbot (Lota lota) is the only gadiform (cod-like) fish inhabiting freshwaters.The burbot is a tenacious predator, which will sometimes attack other fish that are almost the same size and as such can be a nuisance fish in waters where it is not native.

The burbot is edible.the liver of the burbot has 3 to 4 times the potency in vitamin D, and 4 to 10 times in vitamin A, than “good grades” of cod-liver oil.

Nature of Australia -2002

In year 2002, Australia Post focus designed on the Great Sandy Desert (GSD) located in Western Australia and Northern  Territory. Australia is the driest continent in the world. Thirty five per cent of continent is effectively desert.

The issue of the Nature  series comprised of 4 stamps depicts the Great Sandy Dessert, and flora fauna lived in there such as: desert star flower, bilby, and thorny devil.

The Great Sandy Dessert (GSD)  covers about  395,250 square kilometres or 5.1 per cent of the continent and is the largest desert in Australia.The GSD consist of mainly of red sandy plains; patches of desert oak and spinifex grass are common features.

Palm Seed Industry of Norfolk Island

The Palm Seed industry began on Norfolk Island back in the 1880s when Belgium propagators travelled the world looking for different and exotic plants to grace the conservatories of the Belgium Aristocracy.

To commemorate the Palm Seed Industry, Norfolk Island issued the miniature sheet of stamps depicts the picking of the Kentia palm seeds. This issued was designed by Mary Butterfield, Issued 29th May 2007.

The Palm was extremely popular because it proved to be a hardy indoor and outdoor plant and was aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The picking of the Kentia palm seeds on Norfolk Island can take several weeks to complete and is very labour intensive. The tall palm trees are picked by hand using ladders and ropes.The local people who still sell the seeds have the option to pick their own crop or have the local exporter and his team of palm seed pickers come to their home and do the picking.

The Kentia Palm seek industry on Norfolk Island began in 1923 and has survived throughout the years. The height of the industry was in the 1980s when a bushel of seed was sold for over $800.00.

Technorati Tags: Norfolk Island,Palm seed

Farming Australia: Native Plant

The stamps issued by Australia Post on May 17th 2011,  represents four of Australia’s largest native horticultural industries: eucalyptus oil, honey, macadamia nuts and tea tree oil. All four commercially cultivated industries have an export market. Designer of these stamps is Wayne Rankin .

Eucalyptus Oil:

The Eucalyptus oil industry, which began in 1852 in Victoria, has been called the first truly Australian industry.

Today Australia accounts for only 10 per cent of the total world production, but it is regaining some of the market share for medicinal oil lost to China.

Australian oil derives from the Blue Mallee, grown mainly in central Victoria with some production in NSW. Eucalyptus oil has a wide range of industrial and medicinal uses.

Australian Honey:

The honey industry is worth about $50 million annually of which around 50 per cent is exported. Bees are declining worldwide and consequently. Australian honey is highly sought after.

While the honey bee Apismellifera is not native to Australia (introduced in 1822) 80 per cent of honey is derived from native flora such as eucalyptus flowers. Honey is produced in every state and territory, with 45 per cent coming from NSW.

Macadamia Nuts:

 

Australia is the world's largest producer of macadamia nuts, with the industry currently worth around $110.7 million.

 

NSW accounts for more than 60 per cent of production and Queensland for around 40 per cent. There is also a tiny industry in Tasmania. Around 75 per cent of Australian macadamia nuts are exported. 

 

 
Tea Tree Oil:

A potent natural compound with antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Tea tree oil is our second most successful native horticultural industry (after macadamias), earning around $30 million annually.

 

The tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia is native to the northern rivers region of NSW. Main Camp in northern NSW is the world's largest tea tree plantation. (Resources: Australia Post)

 

Technorati Tags: Australia,Tea tree oil,australian honey,farming australian,macadamia nut,eucalyptus oil

Australian World Heritage Sites

On 25th of  May 2010, the Australia Post has issued the stamp series  features four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Australia. They are the Purnululu National Park in Western Australia, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, Mount Warning in the Gondwana Rainforests, and the Tasmanian Wilderness.

 

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia were first inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1986. They include discontinuous rainforest that occurs in New South Wales and south-east Queensland, surrounded by eucalypt forest and agricultural lands. They contain an almost complete record of the major evolution of plant life on Earth.

 

 
 

The Tasmanian Wilderness is one of three temperate wilderness areas remaining in the southern hemisphere that covering approximately 20 per cent of the state. It contains rocks from almost every geological period and it is recognised as an “International Centre for Plant Diversity”.
 

 

Purnululu National Park in Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 as an outstanding example containing the major stages in the Earth’s evolutionary history, superlative natural phenomena, and areas of exceptional natural beauty. Found in the isolated east Kimberley region, it covers almost 2,400 square kilometres.       Kakadu National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in three stages over 11 years, and is included for its natural and cultural values. Kakadu is located in the tropical north of Australia, some 130 kilometres east of Darwin, and covers 19,804 square kilometres.

BuzzNet Tags: Australia,National Park,Kakadu National park,Purnululu National Park,Tasmanian Wilderness,Gondwana Rainforest

Australian Beaches - International Stamps

 
 

Australian Beaches are beautiful  and  inherent with “ 3 S”, Sun, Sand  and Surf . Australia is  renowned for these, and three of its most beautiful beaches are shown on these stamps that issued by Australia Post on June 28, 2011. The stamps designed by Janet Boschen. 

 

 
Bay of Fires, Tasmania

The Bay of Fires in north-eastern Tasmania is located within Mt William National Park. The rocks and stones along the beach are visible reminders of the land bridge once connecting Tasmania to the mainland. It was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux, in 1773, when he noticed numerous fires along the coast. 

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Cape Tribulation, in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in northern Queensland, is in one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of this area. The Cape was named by Lieutenant James Cook after his ship, Endeavour, was holed on a reef in 1770.

Hellfire Bay, Western Australia

Hellfire Bay is located east of Esperance in Cape Le Grand, one of Western Australia’s best known and most spectacular national parks. The park is named after Le Grand, an officer of the L’Esperance, one of the ships in a French expedition that sailed in 1792. 

Technorati Tags: Australia beaches,Hellfire bay,Cape Tribulation,Bay of fire,Australia

“Nature Heritage Objects of Lithuania - THE STONE OF PUNTUKAS”

The Puntukas Stone is the second-largest, but the best known and visited boulder in Lithuania brought by glaciers from Scandinavia, which covered Lithuania during the last glacial period dating back almost 20 thousand years. 

The boulder stranded on the bank of the Šventoji River in a short distance from Anykščiai. A block of rapakivi (crumbly Finnish granite) measuring more than 7 metres in length and width, almost 6 metres in height (one and a half metres underground) weights 265 tons. It is believed that the ancient Balts performed religious rituals at Puntukas. 

In the middle of 20th century within the years 1942-1943, to commemorate in Lithuania the 10th anniversary of transatlantic flight performed by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, the sculptor Bronius Pundzius engraved the portraits of the pilots and the quotes from their last will dedicated to the young State of Lithuania turning the stone into a unique monument of culture.

The souvenir sheet consist of one single stamp featured the Puntukas Stone with background of forest. This sheet has designed by H. Ratkevičius. and issued on August 20, 2010.

Nature Protection: Šumava - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Šumava Biosphere Reserve is to preserve the typical Šumava landscape and all of its traditional elements including the way of its cultivation. The biosphere reserve is located in the mountain area along the Austrian and Bavarian borders with the Czech Republic. The entire region was affected by human activities (such as gold mining, glass industry) and frequently used from as early as the 10th century. Šumava is also the last big central European area with an extensive way of using. The area abounds in ancient mountain forests, lakes of glacial origin, peat bogs, rivers and their canyons and similar values that have been preserved until the present day.

Unlike the Šumava National Park with a higher percentage of forest (83.8%), forests (flower and acidophilic beech woods, mountain spruce woods, wetland pine woods) are present in more than 65% of the Šumava Biosphere Reserve. Local peat bogs are clearly the highlight of the area. The plains that cover the central part of Šumava at more than 1,000 meters above the sea level are also extensively used. The vast area is used as meadows or pasture land.

A large number of rare animals, such as Northern birch mouse (Sicista betulina) or the imported Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), live in the area. Prominent wild birds include wood grouse (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix). The Blanice river headwater area has the highest presence of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in the Czech Republic.

The Šumava-UNESCO Biosphere Reserve miniature sheet is the final one of the present series of six sheets featuring Czech biosphere reserves.This sheet was issued on 31. 8. 2011

THE OAK OF STELMUŽĖ - Nature Heritage Objects of Lithuania.

The Stelmužė Oak is one of the most famous and important nature heritage objects of Lithuania. It is the thickest and oldest oak growing in Lithuania and one of the oldest oaks in Europe.The oak is growing in the Zarasai District, Imbradas Subdistrict, the former Stelmužė Manor Park. The remarkable tree reaches 23 metres of height, as much as 3,5 metres wide and spans approximately 13 metres at its widest part. It is believed to be about 1500 years old, although the exact age has not been estimated.

The Lithuania Post issued a souvenir sheet features the Stelmužė Oak on June 5, 2010. Only one stamp has issued as reminder of the importance of nature heritage objects of Lithuania.Designer of stamp is H. .Ratkevičius.Legends and stories say that in ancient time’s people, having gathered around the oak, sacrificed goats, sheaves of rye, and jugs of mead to the god Perkūnas praying for a good harvest and success in hunting.

Despite the fact that over time the oak has lost a part of its branches as a result of drying or breakage, it still looks magnificent and each spring comes into leaf and still attracts tourists. Due to proper care and maintenance, the Stelmužė Oak survived until nowadays.

BuzzNet Tags: Lithuania,Oak

”LITHUANIAN ZOO“

Lithuania Post issued the stamp series depicts the animal of the Kaunas Zoo on May 21,2005. The stamps issued in one souvenir sheet comprises of 4 stamps and designed by E. Paukštytė. The animal depicted are  Giraffe,  Pelican,Electric blue Jack Dempsey fish, and Polar bear.The zoological garden is a unique school of knowledge introducing visitors to natural and cultural values.

On the 1st of July 1938, the Kaunas Zoo was officially opened in the Mickevičius Valley under the initiative of naturalist Professor Tadas Ivanauskas. On the 4th of December 1958, the Kaunas Zoo was granted the name of a Republican Zoo.

The Zoo of Lithuania belongs to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and participates in the Programme on Breeding of Rare and Endangered Species. Also, it is a member of the International Zoo Educators Association and the International Species Information System.

The Lithuanian Zoo is a small 15,9 ha park located in the city centre where centennial oaks are growing. The park is decorated by art sculptures. On the opening day, there were only 40 animals that had been brought by Professor Tadas Ivanauskas himself. Some animals were brought as gifts from the zoos of other countries. Nowadays, the number of animals living in the Zoo reaches 2500. More than 10 animal species living in the Zoo are included into the Red List of Lithuania, and more than 100 species are included into the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In the Zoo, the animals of 6 classes are kept: insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammalians.

BuzzNet Tags: Lithuania,Zoo

Snæfellsnes National Park - SEPAC

The theme of the joint issue of 11 small nations in Europe (SEPAC) is landscape. The motif of the Icelandic stamps in this third and last issue is Snæfellsjökull (Snæfell Glacier) National Park. SEPAC stands for Small European Postal Administration Cooperation. This cooperation is primarily concerned with issuing postage stamps but also includes sales and marketing.

The name of Snæfellsjökull  has been known in the world through the novel of French author Jules Verne  with the  title of „Journey to the Centre of the World“.

Snæfellsjökull National Park was founded by a legislation on nature conservation in June 2001 and is the fourth national park in Iceland. The area is characterized by its extremely diverse geology. Formerly it was the site of hectic activity with up to 60 fishing boats and 300-400 seamen during the fishing.

Snæfellsjökull National park lies in the westernmost part of Snæfellsnes peninsula and covers 170 square kilometres.The Park's purpose is to protect and conserve the area’s unique landscape, indigenous plant and animal life as well as important historical relics.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula coast line is very varied.  Rocky coves  alternatewith black sand beaches, light sand beaches and precipitous sea cliffs that teem with sea birds in the nesting season. The lowland within the national park is mostly lava that has flowed from Snæfellsjökull and from smaller craters in the lowland.

As one would predict, the most prominent birds in the area are seabirds. They nest along the entire coastline, and among the species found are guillemot, Brunnich’s guillemot,razorbill, fulmar, kittiwake and shag.

Soil in the outer stretches of Snæfellsnes tends to be quite permeable, but vegetation in the area is nonetheless quite diverse. The coastal area is rich in vegetation and has many clear ponds containing colourful seaweed and cupus.

Thick moss covers the lava in most places, while flowers thrive in sheltered nooks and crannies.The ferns are the most conspicuous. Out of the 16 species of fern found in Iceland, 11 grow here.

Snæfellsjökull  National  park offers a wide variety of hiking routes of all levels of difficulty. Some of them are staked or marked, and most of them are easy to navigate.Resources:  Environment Agency of Iceland

BuzzNet Tags: Snæfellsjökull National park

“FOREST FAUNA AND FLORA” - 2009

Lithuania Post issued the stamp series features the Forest Fauna and Flora from the Red Book of Lithuania on September 11, 2009. The stamps issued comprised of 2 single stamps and depicted Stock Pigeon and Lesser Emperor. Artist designer of stamps is A. Ratkevičienė. 

Stock Pigeon (Columba oenas) is a member of the family of Columbidae, doves and pigeons. The Stock Pigeon constantly inhabits the Curonian Spit and Kazlų Rūda forests in Lithuania. Larger colonies of these birds are distributed in the southern and eastern regions of the country – Dainava, Rūdninkai, Lavoriškės, Labanoras forests where pine trees dominate.
The Stock Pigeon generally inhabit mature pine forests and mixed forests. It nests in a naturally rotten hole in a tree. The eggs (usually 2) are laid in late April/early May. The Stock Pigeon is capable of raising 2–3 broods per season. Most of its food is vegetable.
Cutting down hollow dry trees and mature forests and abundance of pine martens pose the greatest threat to the Stock Pigeon. Since 1970, this species is listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania, as well as the Berne Convention, Annex III.

Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) is a dragonfly of the family Aeshnidae. It is found in Ignalina, Lazdijai, Molėtai, Prienai, Trakai, Ukmergė, Varėna, and Vilkaviškis districts in Lithuania. The Lesser Emperor usually inhabits the surrounding areas of forest lakes and ponds.
The female of the species insert their eggs into water plants’ stems. Larval development depends on water temperature and usually takes 1–2 years. The Lesser Emperor is most commonly seen from May to August. It feeds on insects.
Water pollution and recreational activities in its natural habitats are major threats to the Lesser Emperor. Since 1989, this species is under protection in Lithuania.

 

BuzzNet Tags: Lithuania,Stock Pigeon,Lesser Emperor

Madeira Botanical Garden

 

Portugal Post  released the stamp series feature the Madeira Botanical Garden on April 30th, 2010 .  The issued stamp consist of one set of four single stamp and two souvenir sheet. All stamps depicted the view of beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is a scientific institution devoted to the study and conservation of the exceptionally rich flora and vegetation of the archipelagos of Madeira and Selvagens, but it is also a pleasant place to enjoy and get to know the diversity of the plant kingdom.

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The Botanical Garden, founded on April 30, 1960 by agronomist Rui Vieira, belongs to the Regional Government of Madeira; it covers an area of approximately 8 hectares and has an average of 330 000 visitors annually. It is located in Funchal, on the Quinta do Bom Sucesso or Quinta Reid, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century.

In this scientific institution are implemented systematic studies on vascular and avascular plants, molecular biology, reproductive biology, and conservation biology and vegetation ecology. The research is fundamental to know the diversity of the flora and vegetation of Madeira, in order to establish strategies for the conservation of the species and the vegetal communities.

The occupation of the islands of the archipelagos of Madeira and Selvagens by Man, with the introduction of animals and plants, caused the destruction or changes to many natural habitats. As a consequence, some plant species are presently threatened with extinction or are restricted to slopes and other rather inaccessible places. The Botanical Garden of Madeira plays an active role in this regard, through inventorying and monitoring actions of these species.

In the Seed Bank of the Botanical Garden of Madeira, created in 1994, are stored the seeds of the most endemic species of the archipelagos of Madeira and Selvagens and of other native species. The collection of seed is sometimes extremely difficult since many of the populations appear in almost inaccessible places.

Other actions developed by the Botanical Garden of Madeira are the propagation of indigenous species, especially rare endemism's threatened with extinction. Most of the species are propagated by seeding, in nurseries and greenhouses, but in some cases it is necessary to resort to stalk cuttings and in vitro culture. At a later stage actions are carried out to reintroduce and reinforce the populations in the nature, especially species with a reduced population.

 

Besides being a centre for research and conservation of the flora of Madeira, the Botanical Garden is also an educational activity centre. The institution carries out several divulgation and awareness raising actions concerning the flora and vegetation of Madeira and the need for their conservation. The activities are mainly aimed at students from the different educational levels and include guided visits to the Garden or field trips, actions involving planting native species in the nature, eradicating invading plants in the natural habitats, among other.

The Botanical Garden is also an adequate place for hosting various cultural activities, such as concerts, dance, theatre and painting. (Resources : Portugal Post info)

Technorati Tags: Portugal stamp,Madeira botanical garden

Australian Botanic Gardens

Australia Post has issued the stamp  features five of Australia's major botanic gardens on September 12th, 2007. The stamps celebrate the beauty of plants through differing seasons and the diversity of specific garden types.

Botanic gardens can be traced back to the medicinal teaching collections of the 16th century in Europe and flourished with exploration and colonial empire-building. Seeds and plants were sent back to the gardens from all over the world and early Australian governors and settlers viewed the establishment of botanic gardens as a part of civilised living and colonial advancement. It is no surprise then that land was designated for botanic gardens in many regional towns as well as the cities.

 

Botanic Gardens of Adelaide

The 1837 plan of Adelaide showed an area set aside for a botanic garden which was finally opened in 1857. Many of the trees were planted in the 19th century including those in the Moreton Bay Fig Avenue (1866), Araucaria Avenue (1868), and Plane Tree Ring (1883). The Garden specialises in scientific and educational displays of ornamental plants, both exotic and native.

 

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha

These subtropical Gardens cover 52 hectares and are located only seven kilometres from the city centre. They were opened in 1976 and are home to over 20,000 plants. Specialty gardens include the Japanese Garden, the Australian Plant Communities Garden with its lake and totems, and the Tropical Display Dome.
 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

The gardens were established in 1846 but it wasn't until 1857 that the first full time Director, Ferdinand von Mueller was appointed. Mueller was to become one of the most acclaimed botanists of the 19th century. He established the Garden's scientific centre, the National Herbarium of Victoria, and amassed an extraordinary range of plants from every corner of the world.

Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain, Sydney

A 64 hectare oasis sits in the heart of the city and occupies one of Sydney's most spectacular positions on the harbour The Garden was established in 181 Band is the oldest scientific institution in Australia home to an outstanding collection of plants, which include endangered species such as the ancient Wollemi Pine rediscovered in 1994. Only 100 of these adult trees grow in the wild of the Blue Mountains in NSW.

 

Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth

Right on the edge of Perth's city centre, the Garden and Park cover 400 hectares and is notable for its remarkable collection of wildflowers. Nearly two-thirds of the area is natural bushland and has a balance of superb cultivated gardens and open recreational areas. The park was gazetted as a public park in 1872 and renamed Kings Park in 19W in honour of King Edward VII, after a visit to Perth by his son, the Duke of York (later King George V).

Technorati Tags: Botanic garden,Australia

Lake Eyre of Australia

 

Australia Post has issued the stamp series feature Lake Eyre, the unique landscape of  great salt lake of tectonic origin,and its vast and changing environment has been beautifully captured in these stamp designs. The stamps issued in four nominal value on April 4th, 2011.The four stamps in the issue include one domestic rate stamp - The dry (60c) and three international rate stamps - New growth ($1.55), Bird life ($2.25) and In flood ($3.10). 

 

Lake Eyre lies asymmetrically in the south-western corner of the closed inland drainage basin in the heart of the Australian continent. Lake Eyre is the centre of the vast Lake Eyre Basin located 700km north of Adelaide in the deserts of central Australia. With an area of 1,140,000 square kilometres Lake Eyre Basin is one of the largest areas of internal drainage in the world. Some parts of Lake Eyre are 15.2 metres below sea level making it the lowest point in Australia. 

During the dry season there is usually some water, however Lake Eyre is primarily characterised by great salt pans. On the rare occasions that it fills to capacity, Lake Eyre becomes the largest salt lake in Australia. Water covers the lake on average about once every eight years and has filled to capacity only three times in the last 150 years.

 

The Dry:

Lake Eyre is located in the central Australian desert and is characterised by great salt pans. 

New growth:

Desert areas previously ravaged by dust storms are now lush and green. 

 

 
 
 
 


Bird Life:

The higher rainfall has prompted a variety of birds to migrate back to the area. 

 

 
 
 


In Flood:

In strong La Niña years the lake can fill. The rainfall of 2010 sent flood waters into the catchment basin.

The recent high rainfall has filled the vast floodplains around Lake Eyre creating wetlands brimming with life. In drought there is usually no sign of bird life and their return remains a mystery for scientists. Pelicans have returned to rivers and waterholes all around Lake Eyre to breed. (Resources: Australia Post News)

Technorati Tags: Australia,Lake Eyre

Dead Sea

 

Israel Post has issued the stamp series features the Dead Sea,  also known as the Sea of Salt, the Valley of Sidim, the Ancient Sea and the Sea of the Arava - is a hypersaline lake that constitutes the eastern gateway into Israel, on 30.06.2010.

The Dead Sea is a home and a way of life and its surroundings also have religious meaning and the historical heritage, pioneer-ship and Zionism that it represents tell the tale of one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods in the history of Eretz Israel.

The Dead Sea, the world’s largest spa, is key to Israel’s tourism, thanks to the therapeutic and extreme sports opportunities it offers. Its salinity allows for a unique floating experience and the minerals found in the water and in the mud along the shore provide added health benefits while bathing. It is an astoundingly beautiful area hosting wadis, cliffs and a unique zoological and botanical environment.

 

The issued stamp depicts an ibex along a rocky cliff in the Judean Desert, a section of the Dead Sea with salt “sculptures”, a floating tourist, the Dead Sea against the background of the Dragot Cliffs and the Edom Mountains in Jordan .

The sea originally sprawled from Beit HaArava to Sodom, within the area now belonging to the Megilot Dead Sea and Tamar Regional Councils. The current boundaries of the sea run from Masada in the south to Kalia. The Kingdom of Jordan lies along the sea’s Eastern bank.

The Dead Sea, the lowest place on the face of the Earth, is a national and global natural treasure, currently situated 422.22 meters below sea level (as of May 2009). This level decreases daily, with an annual cumulative reduction of up to 1.20 meters each year over the last 30 years. Receding water levels are due mainly to the damming of the Jordan River at the Degania Dam, with the Dead Sea Works operations playing a minor role as well.

(Resources from Head of Megilot Dead Sea Tamar )
 

Technorati Tags: Dead sea,Israel,stamp

Forest–Aland

This year 2011 Europa stamp theme is Forest. Therefore Aland Post through Artist Anette Gustafsson painted the picturesque edge of a forest. The stamps issued only one piece on May 09, 2011.The stamp have logo of Europa 2011.

Around 60 % of Åland is covered by forest.  More than 40 varieties of trees and shrubs can be found in the Åland forests.Pine-forests dominate the northern parts of Åland, whereas the southern parts consist of deciduous forests. On the main Åland mostly found mixed forest.

Spruce, pine and yew are three types of conifers native to Åland. Pine is the most common type of tree, both in dense forests and on bare cliffs. Spruce, on the other hand, needs nutritious soil to thrive.

Common juniper, a shrub more than a tree, is also common in Åland. In the outer archipelago, junipers grow low, trailing along the cliffs, whereas the ones found in fertile soil are often tall and lofty. 

Noble trees such as ash, oak, elm, maple and lime tree are relatively common, ash being the most common species native to Åland.

Other common types of deciduous trees are birch, alder, aspen, rowan, Swedish white beam, bird cherry and Finnish white beam. 

Technorati Tags: Aland,Forest,Europa 2011,stamp

The České středohoří uplands - tertiary volcanic region

 

The České středohoří uplands is located in the northwest Bohemia nearby the lower reach of the Labe river which is divided between two geomorphological sub-units - the Verneřické uplands on the right bank and the Milešovské uplands on the left bank.

The České středohoří uplands are the most massive sign of volcanic activity in the Czech Republic even though due to its size of 1,266 km2 it belongs only to lesser orographic units. Its characteristic features are volcanic conical hills which began rising from the sandstone seat in the late Tertiary as a Miocene formation approximately 23 million years ago
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The dominant of the České středohoří uplands is the Milešovka hill (837 m), one of the most windy hills in the Czech Republic. Passing through the region is the Litoměřice deep fault, the geological partition between the Krušné Hory and the Central Bohemian regions. Water streams exposing the solid subsurface magma and deepening valleys made the České středohoří uplands into a majestic landscape. The present volcanic rocks include the prevalent basalts and sound-stones and the less frequent trachytes. Sandstones and marls are the representatives of sediments.

In 1976 the České středohoří uplands were proclaimed a protected land area of 1,063.17 km2 and in terms of botany it seems to be the richest area in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic has been issued  the  stamps features a view from the southern bank of the Ohře river at the Brníkov village on the early Baroque chateau in Libochovice and the basalt hill with the ruined castle Hazmburk and the surrounding hills. The stamps issued on September 2, 2009. Starting from the left they are the Solanská, the Hrádek, the Lipská, the Hazmburk, the Milešovka, the Košťál, the Kletečná and the Lovoš hills. This picturesque panorama enchanted the painter Emil Filla who in the period of 1950-52 created panoramic paintings of the České středohoří uplands.

LiveJournal Tags: Czech,Ceske stredohori upland

Anegada Flamingo

The Flamingo Pond, Anegada is home to the Flamingos which are the second largest of its species, often growing to 5 feet tall. The Flamingo Pond, Anegada is located in the central area of Anegada Island and now become as one of the most popular spots of sightseeing in the area. The flamingos and other sea birds have been re-established at this protected pond area and hence the name.

The Flamingo Pond in Anegada is the largest of the four salt ponds that occupies approximately one quarter of Anegada's total land mass. This fragile ecosystem maintains a small but growing population of Caribbean Flamingos which were successfully reintroduced to Anegada in the year 1992.

Due to unrestricted hunting, the native flamingos in the British Virgin Islands were wiped out. The Biologists reintroduced a flock of 20 flamingos from Bermuda to Anegada in the year 1992. This project has proved successful as the flock has grown to more than 50 birds since they were introduced.

The project also aimed at attracting the other migrating species in hopes of increasing the gene pool in the area. These vertebrates do not reach sexual maturity until they are three to six years of age and generally only lay one or two eggs in a one year period after mating. The Female lots usually only reproduce every other year. Flamingos frequently mate for life and both male and female take turns in incubating their egg.

Western Anegada is actually famous for the Flamingo Pond Bird Sanctuary, which is a salt pond and mangrove area. This area is home to the various species of birds like waterfowl, a variety of herons, terns, osprey, and snowy plovers.

 

The British Virgin Island National Parks Trust has accepted Flamingo Pond as a bird sanctuary. The other bird species such as terns, ospreys and egrets can be seen nesting and feeding in the area. Whenever you come here with your family or friends you can spot the flamingos wading on the far north side of the pond.

Peony of Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands are proud to participate in China's 2011 Peony celebrations with the release of this special stamp issue.

The Peony is native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America and is China’s unofficial national flower having been voted the favourite by the people. From February to April China celebrates the Peony with huge displays throughout China especially in Luoyang, in Henan Province.

 

 

There are 25-40 species of Peony, most of which are herbaceous perennial plants growing 0.5 –1.5 metres tall, although some resemble trees up to 3 metres tall.

They have deeply lobed, glossy leaves and large, often fragrant, single or double flowers ranging from red, pink, white to even yellow.