Karadag Nature Reserve

 

Ukrainian State Enterprise of Posts Ukrposhta , issued  a souvenir sheet stamp consist of four stamps depict several endangered species, e,g: the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin, Butterfly-lion, Saker Falcon, and Beech Marten on July 28, 2005.

Karadag Nature Reserve was organized in 1979 on the base of Karadag research station named after T. I. Vyazemskiy and founded by him back in 1914. Karadag Nature Reserve occupies the area of 2874 ha. It is a unique haven of landscape and biological diversity (2870 flora species and 5350 fauna species), a gene pool of rare plant and animal species, a kind of refuge of Mediterranean fauna in the Crimea.

 

Black Sea bottle-nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus )

Bottlenose dolphins live in groups typically of 10–30 members but group size varies from single individuals up to more than 1,000. Their diets consist mainly of forage fish. Dolphins often work as a team to harvest fish schools, but they also hunt individually.

Bottlenose dolphins search for prey primarily using echolocation, which is similar to sonar. They emit clicking sounds and listen for the return echos to determine the location and shape of nearby items, including potential prey.

The Black Sea bottlenose dolphin, the genus Tursiops, are the most common and well-known members of the family Delphinidae, the family of oceanic dolphin.

The Black Sea bottlenose dolphin, or Tursiops truncatus ponticus , qualifies for listing as Endangered species.The range of the Black Sea subspecies includes the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine in the Black Sea.

Fresh Water Fish of Fiji

 

Fiji Post issued a set of four stamps feature the fresh water fish which found in Fiji islands on May 13, 2002. The depicted species are the Redigobius sp., Spotted flagtail, Silver-stripe Mud-skipper,  Snake-head Gudgeon.

The 48 c stamp represents Redigobius fish. Redigobius sp has been observed in mid-water schooling, only in clear headwater areas. This fish is carnivorous and feeds on benthic invertebrates. There is evidence of parental care of demersal eggs. 

The main threat to this endemic fish is habitat destruction brought about by the logging activities being carried out in its only known sites; and the possibility of introduced invasive species encroaching the headwaters. Excessive gravel and boulder removal are also direct threats.

Redigobius lekutu is a goby, belonging to the family Gobiidae. Members of the family Gobiidae are generally small fishes, and this species is no exception. It measures only 3.5 cm from the snout to the tip of the tail - probably smaller than the index finger of the average adult.

Definitive Flower Stamps of Canada

In year 2010, Canada Post issued the definitive stamps consist of four stamps that feature orchid flowers in one miniature sheet format. The depicted species are Striped coralroot, Giant Helleborine , Rose Pogonia , Grass Pink. 

Striped Coralroot or Corallorhiza striata is a species of orchid that native to much of North America, especially Canada and the northern and western United States.

It is a member of the coniferous understory flora, where it lives in the layer of decaying plant matter on the ground obtaining nutrients from fungi via mycoheterotrophy.

This coralroot has an erect stem which may be red, pink, purple, or yellow-green to almost white. It is mostly made up of an inflorescence of orchid flowers.

Each flower is an open array of sepals and similar-looking petals which may be pink or yellowish and have darker pink or maroon stripes. 

Inside the flower is a column formed from the fusion of male and female parts, which may be spotted with purple or red. The fruit is a capsule one or two centimeters long.

National Park of Spain

Espana Post promote their National Park by issuing a set of two stamps feature Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park and Izki Natural Park on March 09, 2009.

Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park is a natural environment protected by the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. Subdivided Natural Park territory Lobos River Canyon between the provinces of Soria and Burgos.This area was declared a Natural Park in 1985 and a Special Protection Area for Birds in 1987. 

It is covered  an area of ​​9580 ha. and is a unique biogeographic space structured on the axis of a deep pit dug in the riverbed of the Mesozoic limestone that has left huge vision and sheer walls. 

From its flora include the juniper, pine repudiation, and the oak gall, while the spaces may be covered juniper scrub, huckleberries and gorse.

As for wildlife, the Canyon live animals and various species, in particular birds abound among prey like eagles, falcons, griffon vulture, the hawk and the vulture. Also in the living river otters and trout.

Wilderness Australia

 

 

Australia Post promote their nature by issuing a set of three stamps on September 25, 2012.  The issue depict the wilderness of Australia, the vast Nullarbor Plain, the Daintree National Park, and Cradle Mountain. 

  

Historically, the Nullarbor was used by the semi-nomadic Spinifex Wangai people. The Nullarbor Plain, located on the Great Australian Bight coast, is the world's largest limestone karst landscape covering an area of 270,000 square kilometres, extending 2,000 kilometres between Norseman and Ceduna. Two thirds of the Nullarbor is within Western Australia and one third is in South Australia. 

 

The name Nullarbor derives from "no trees", but the plain is covered with bluebush and saltbush plants, hardy shrubs that are drought-resistant and salt-tolerant.

 

 

The Daintree National Park, north of Cairns, is made up of two sections - Mossman Gorge and the Cape tribulation - and is part of the traditional lands of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

 

Much of the Mossman Gorge section is covered in tall, dense rainforest and supports a range of habitats and a diverse assortment of wildlife.




 

 
 
 
 

Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the wild Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, covering approximately 1.38 million hectares  and encompassing more than 20 per cent of Tasmania.

It is one of the last true wilderness regions on Earth. Aboriginal use of the Cradle Mountain area dates from 10,000 years ago. The area ranges from rainforest to grassland, containing ancient plants and a diversity of animals.

Crested Iguana of Fiji

Fiji Post Limited is proud to commemorate the magnificent creature, Brachylophus vitiensis and to bring attention to its protection and ongoing survival. By collaborating  with the WWF organization, Fiji Post Limited issued a set of four stamps feature Brachylophus vitiensis in their habitat on October 2010.

The issue stamps presented in many forms, single stamps, miniature sheet which composed of two set stamps, and local First Day Cover .

The Fiji crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is a critically endangered species of iguana native to some of the northwestern islands of the Fijiian archipelago, where it is found in dry forest. They are only found in Fiji on the dry leeward islands off Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. They have been found in the Mamanucas, Yasawas, Mali and Macuata Islands.

The Fiji crested iguana is a large stocky lizard distinguished from the Fiji banded iguana by the presence of three narrow, cream to white colored bands on males, rather than the broader bluish bands of the latter species. These whitish bands often have chevrons of black scales close to them.

Mammals of Latvia - 2007

In yearly Latvia Post released the stamp series feature the wild mammals which found in their country. On November 16, 2007, a set of two stamps was issued and the wild mammals depicted on stamps are Red fox or vulpes vulpes and Alces alces   or Moose.

Vulpes vulpes  or Red Fox

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes and live around the world in many diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. They also adapt well to human environments such as farms, suburban areas, and even large communities. The red fox's resourcefulness has earned it a legendary reputation for intelligence and cunning.

Red foxes has a long history of association with humans, having been extensively hunted as a pest and furbearer for centuries, as well as being prominently represented in human folklore and mythology. 

Because of its widespread distribution and large population, the red fox is one of the most important furbearing animals harvested for the fur trade. Because of these factors, it is listed as Least Concern for extinction by the IUCN. It is included among the IUCN's list of the "world's 100 worst invasive species".

Red foxes are solitary hunters who feed on rodents, rabbits, birds, and other small game birds—but their diet can be as flexible as their home habitat. On occasionally, Red foxes will eat fruit and vegetables, fish, frogs, and even worms.  The average life span ranges 2 to 4 years.

The Giant Sea Fan of Niue

 
 

To pay  tribute to the giant sea fan (Annella mollis),  Niue  Post  pleased to issue the special stamp series that   feature  a coral found throughout Niue’s picturesque coral reefs. It has been released as part of the WWF Conservation Stamp Collection on September 5, 2012.

 

Each of the four gummed stamps in this issue features the official WWF logo and they are presented together on the miniature sheet. The background of the miniature sheet gives a close-up view of a giant sea fan, and is a beautiful addition to the stamp collection.

 
 

The giant sea fan is a soft coral (Octocorallia) and belongs to the class of flower animals (Anthozoa). Its fans measure up to two metres. In this case, the ramifications are braided together and adopt the appearance of a network, whose peaks are barely distinct.Colonies are colored red to shades of pale yellow, but when the polyps are open, it seems tinged with orange-red. The ramifications are issued in a single plane.

Paeonia officinalis – Common Peony

 

To dedicated the Europe Nature Protection,  Serbia Post has issued one miniature sheet consist of two stamps feature the Paeonia officinalis on February 10, 2010. Paeonia officinalis, or European peony, Common peony, is the common peony cultivated in Europe for five hundred years.

Fruits of Fiji

Fiji Post Limited proudly to issue a set of five stamps feature the Fiji’s edible fruits on December 02, 2010.  

The issue stamps are depicting fruit species, Moli kana or Citrus maxima (20c) , Vutu kana or Barringtonia edulis (40c), Dawa or Pometia pinnata (65c), Fei ( banana) or Musa troglodytarium ($1.20), Kavika or Syzgium malaccense ($10).


There are more then 18 native tree species with edible fruits in Fiji. The majority of these species are thought to be of aboriginal introduction, brought in by early indigenous settlers to Fiji.

Moli kana or Citrus maxima   flowers and fruits throughout the year. The scraped root is used as an internal remedy for hemorrhoids in the island of Taveuni. The fruit is eaten as a dessert fruit and also used for marmalade. This native tree can grow up to 12 m tall bearing edible fruits 10-30 cm wide. The fruit is very thick peel and pale yellow or pink pulp.

Flowers of the Bahamas Garden

Bahamas Postal Administration issued a set of four stamps feature the flower of Bahamas Garden on May 25, 2004. The flower species shown on stamps are Cattleya, Hibiscus, Canna, and Thunbergia.

Cattleyas are widely known for their large, showy flowers, and were used extensively in hybridization for the cut-flower trade  when pot plants became more popular.The flowers of the hybrids can vary in size from 5 cm to 15 cm or more. Cattleya is a genus of 113 species of orchids from Costa Rica to tropical South America. Cattleya presents in all colors except true blue and black.

The typical charateristic of  this  flower has three rather narrow sepals and three usually broader petals: two petals are similar to each other, and the third is the quite different conspicuous lip. Cattleyas have been hybridized both within the genus and with related genera for more than a century.

2012 Children's Health: New Zealand Sea Lion

 
 

New Zealand Post is proud to continue to support Te Puna Whaiora as  The New Zealand Foundation for Child and Family Health and Development with its annual Children’s Health stamp issue.

Therefore New Zealand Post issued the 2012 Children’s Health stamp issue features the New Zealand sea lion on the first of August 2012. The mother of sea lion (as shown in above miniature sheet) is shown sniffing her pup for recognition before taking her for feeding. Just like children, pups are dependent on their mothers for protection, and this unique product portrays the close relationship they share.

 

The 70c gummed stamp presents a New Zealand sea lion pup in the Sub-Antarctic Islands.

Sea lions live all over the world whether in the wild, in marine parks, and sometimes even in cities. However, the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) or whakahao lives only in New Zealand and is sadly listed as nationally critical.

It is monotypic of its genus.The primary habitat of New Zealand Sea Lions is several sub-Antarctic islands south of New Zealand and their surrounding waters. The breeding pattern of sea lions is very similar to that of fur seals, with males arriving in November to set up territories. Females give birth to single pups every one or two years, and pups are born in December and January each year. 

Endemic Palm of Fiji – Balaka Palm

Balaka is a genus of about seven species in the palm family, Arecaceae or Palmae. Five species are native to the islands of Fiji and two to Samoa. Endemic to Fiji. They are widely distributed throughout rainforest areas in Vanua Levu and Taveuni Islands with high rainfall from 140 meters and more in elevation.

Post Fiji Limited  broadcast this plant by issuing one miniature sheet consist of two stamps, features Balaka Palm , Balaka seemannii on April 29, 2002.

Fiji Goshawk

Post Fiji Limited  proudly to release a set of four stamps feature the endemic bird of prey on  September  10, 2002.  The issued stamps depict the Fiji Goshawk as endemic bird to Fiji, presenting the chicks to the adult bird. These are beautiful bird stamps.

 

The Fiji Goshawk (Accipiter rufitorques) is a species of bird of prey in the Accipitridae family. It is endemic to Fiji, where it occurs on the larger islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Gau and Ovalau.

Their habitat is  a range of wooded habitats in Fiji, from natural rainforest to coconut plantations and urban gardens and parks.

Sea Eagle of Lithuania Red Book.

 

On October 08, 2011, Lithuania Post Office issued one stamp features a rare bird species  which listed in the Lithuanian Red Book, White-tailed Eagle also called Sea Eagle or Haliaeetus albicilla.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)  is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Lithuania's first sea eagle's nest was found in  Čepkeliai Reserve.

The territory of the White-tailed Eagle ranges between 30 and 70 km², normally in sheltered coastal locations. Sometimes they are found inland by lakes and along rivers. Nests in trees growing close to the open areas: wetlands , harvesting, forest parks. They feed on fish, water birds, mammals.

Forest – Europa 2011 Gibraltar

 

To support the declaration of the United Nations to save forest for future generations, Gibraltar Post under Europa stamp organization  pleased to release a set of four stamps features the famous forest which found in the world on April 04, 2011. The issue stamps depict the Alpine Swiss National Park, the Amazon Rainforest, Yosemite National Park, and the Plitvice Lakes.

 

The Alpine Swiss National Park is located in the canton of Graubünden in the east of Switzerland between Zernez, S-chanf, Scuol and the Fuorn Pass in the Engadin valley on the border with Italy. It has an area of 174.2 km² and is the largest protected area of the country. It was founded on 1 August 1914, the national holiday of Switzerland. It was one of the earliest national parks in Europe.



 
 

Trees of Ireland

Ireland Post annually issued the stamps feature fauna and flora series since 1978. On March 7, 2006, they launched  subject , flora theme, ” Trees of Ireland “ on four postage stamp, one miniature sheet and one First Day Cover. The issue stamps featuring Ireland’s Tree species, such as: Sessile oak, Strawberry-tree, Ash, and Yew.

The Yew (Taxus baccata) is one of Ireland’s native evergreen conifers. Its dark green leaves are striking in appearance, long and narrow and complemented by scarlet berries and mahogany-coloured bark.

Yew makes an excellent hedge, but its leaves and seeds are poisonous which makes it a hazard for children and livestock. Yew found in woods, but  easily found almost close to the old churches in Ireland.

Flora of the Ljubljana Botanical Garden

 

Ljubljana Botanical Gardens established by Franc Hladnik as a second home of a great many plants in Slovenia. Within 2 years since 1810, 766 different species had been planted by Franc Hladnik. On March 30, 2012, Slovenia Post issued the stamp set features the plants of this garden, which connected with Hladnik. The issue comprises of three postage stamps and one souvenir sheet.

 

The stamp of 0.40 EUR, presented Fleischmann’s Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa var. fleischmanni). This plant is a variety of the common parsnip. Felischmann discovered this species at Ljubljana Castle between 1819 and 1840. Then transplanted by him into garden, results the plants remains to the presents day.

Unique Birds of Malaysia

Malay Post issued the stamp set of fauna series  features the unique birds on January 21, 2009. The issue comprises of three postage stamps which   depicted the birds are found in Malaysia, such as : Merak Pongsu (Polyplectoron malacense), Murai Bersiul Gunung (Myophonus robinsoni), Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) .

The Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) is a medium-sized pheasant of the galliform family Phasianidae. It is one of the shortest-tailed peacock-pheasants. Adult males are about 50 cm long, about half of which is made up by the tail.

A shy and elusive bird, the Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant is endemic to lowland forests of the Malay Peninsula form the Isthmus of Kra region southwards. At one time, this species was widespread in Malaysia and Thailand, and reported from southern Myanmar, Sumatra and Singapore.It inhabits mainly dipterocarp rainforest up to 150 m ASL  , rarely occurring even as low as 300 m ASL

Solčavsko – Three Valleys in Harmony

 

Slovenia Post  continue to release  the Tourism series with stamps featuring destinations and areas in Slovenia that have won the title of European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) in the competition organized by the European Commission. In 2009 Slovenia was represented in the European competition by the Solčavsko district, which took first place in the national competition to choose the country's EDEN entry. On March 30, 2012, they issue one stamp depicted the Solčavsko district.

 

 

The Solčavsko district consists of three remarkable valleys (hence the official tourist slogan in the title) surrounded by the peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke. These valleys are: Robanov Kot, Matkov Kot and Logarska Dolina.

Garden Park IV of Iceland

Following the previous issue, the Iceland Post release the fourth of park’s stamp series on May 3, 2012. The issue comprises of two postage stamp and depicted the garden parks are The Akureyri Park  and The Hallargarður park .  The stamps have designed by Hany Hadaya, same as the previous issues.

 

The Akureyri Park is run by the town as a botanical garden and a nature park. The latter was formally opened to the public in 1912 while the botanic garden opened in 1957. The Park Society was founded in 1909 with Sigridur Sæmundsdóttir as its first president. Margrethe Schiöth contributed to the growth and development of the park for more than thirty years. The Akureyri Embellishment Society promoted the acquisition of a remarkable and unusual botanical collection owned by Jón Rögnvaldsson, a pioneer in the cultivation of plants in Iceland. Now the park contains nearly 7000 foreign species and most of the Icelandic flora.

Garden Parks III of Iceland

Following the previous issues, Iceland Post  released the third of park’s stamp series on May 4, 2011. The issue comprises of two postage stamps which depicted  garden parks, Austurvöllur and The Parliament park.

Austurvöllur is a park in the center of Reykjavík. A statue of Jón Sigurðsson, hero of Icelandic independence is in the center of the park. Around Austurvöllur there are many of the more remarkable buildings of the city, among them the Parliament building, Hotel Borg, the building of the National Telegraph and the Reykjavik Cathedral. Austurvöllur is a popular destination among city people on sunny days.

Garden Parks II of Iceland

 

To commemorate numerous parks found in  Iceland, in regularly  Iceland Post issued the stamp series features the park’s theme . On May 6, 2010, Iceland Post issued three postage stamps features Garden Park as the second series of this theme. The parks have depicted are Jónsgarður ,  Hellisgerði and Skallagrímsgarður.

 

Jónsgarður is the oldest garden park in the town of Ísafjörður, originally opened in 1922.   Jón Jónsson, the tailor, and his wife Karlinna Jóhannsdóttir pioneered in the development of the garden. In the seventies the park went unattended. In 1978 the town‘s gardening supervisor was instructed to resume work on it. It was named after the initial pioneers and a memorial in their honor of them was erected is in the garden.

Lake Ball of Iceland

 

Lake ball (Aegagropila linnaei), also known as Marimo in Japanese, is a rare species of filamentous green algae found in a few lakes in the northern hemisphere. Colonies of such balls are known only in three lakes, Myvatn in Iceland, Lake Akan in Japan and to a much lesser extent in Lake Öisu in Estonia.

The lake ball is a protected species and considered a rare natural phenomenon. Lake ball has been protected as a nature reserve in Iceland since 2006. Therefore Iceland Post issued a single postage stamp feature this rare species as  a remarkable fact in the world On September 18, 2009. The stamp shown three lake balls,  the one of them  was depicted the  Iceland’s map. 

Goričko Regional Park

 

Slovenia Post promote regularly their national park through media postage stamps on May 25 , 2012, they issued one souvenir sheet consists of one stamp that features Goričko Regional Park and have background image of flora fauna inhabit in the park.

 
 

Goričko Regional Park is  the Slovene part of a three-nation park comprising Õrség National Park in Hungary and Raab National Park in Austria. The park takes its name from the gorice, the local word for the little hills that long ago emerged at the bottom of the Pannonian Sea.

Goričko Regional Park covers an area of 462 km2, reaching just 418 metres above sea level at its highest point, yet it offers views of the three-nation park area, which has always been a meeting point of cultures and peoples.  This area features wetlands and wet meadows, fields producing a variety of cultures, forests, an intricate network of waterways, lakes and ponds, low hills and vineyards.

Secovlje Salina Nature Park

Slovenia Post has issued the single stamp set features their nature park, Secovlje Salina National Park on November 25, 2011. The stamp shows a salt harvester in modern clothing with a traditional salt-harvesting tool called a “gavero” in Slovene.

Secovlje Salina National Park is a preserved of the unique salt-making landscape of 650 ha area in Slovenia. The harmony of man and nature is presented in this area and marked by the centuries-old method of harvesting salt. In the past 700 years, the only thing that has changed in the Secovlje salina is the salt makers clothing, which depicted in the image on stamp.

Salt is produced in the traditional manner at the northernmost salt works in the Mediterranean, using classical salt-making techniques and tools with  result  the wonderful taste and exceptional qualities .

Azores Biodiversity

The Azores consist of 9 small islands made from volcano eruptions, located in the Atlantic Ocean. It takes about 2 hours to fly from Lisbon to the Azores. The total area is about  2.333 km2. There are great variation in the size of the islands. São Miguel is the biggest with 747 km2. Corvo  is the smallest with only 17 km2.

The Portuguese post office (CTT) has issued a new collection of stamps dedicated to the ponds of the Azores on April 22, 2009. The issue is a joint effort between CTT and the Institute of the Conservation of the Nature which celebrates the diversity of life in the region and ongoing efforts to protect habitats.

The four stamps show images of ponds with birds, fishes or trees. The 32 centimos stamp represents Comprida Lake, in Flores Island with a Scolopax rusticola, a very common bird that can be found across Asia and Europe, hence why it's known as Eurasian Woodcock.

The 68 centimos stamp  represent Lake of Caldeirão in Corvo Island with  the beautiful butterfly, a Hipparchia azorina that is endemic to Azores and is currently threatened.

The 80 centimos stamp represent  Lake of Capitão in Pico with  the Dragonfly , a Anax imperator, an amazing blue variety.

The 2 euros stamp represent Lagoinha in Terceira with the fruit is taken from a tree endemic to Azores, the Juniperus brevifolia. , a Cedar tree. Meanwhile the one of two souvenir sheet were issued depicted  underwater water creature like fish, shell, and octopus. Other sheet depicted  three species of ducts .

Azores’s marine Invertebrate -2010

The Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and more than 1300 km from the nearest continent, is formed by the nine immersed tops of an underwater mountain range. On July 01, 2010, Portugal Post (Azores) issued the stamp set  to  recall special attention to the necessary ecological alarm against mankind’s aggressions to the planet’s frail balance.

Portuguese stamps displaying regional themes from the Azores. This is the case with the stamps that over the years have been devoted to the flora and fauna of the Azores, and with this issue as well, which focuses on the archipelago’s marine invertebrates. In the large group formed by animals without backbone, marine species usually stand out to the layman because of their shapes and colors that never cease to amaze us.

Grapsus adscenionis

Grapsus adscenionis is found   in Ascension Island, Azores Exclusive Economic Zone , East Atlantic . Despite the low commercial interest as food for human consumption, this species is becoming popular in aquaculture. Therefore,general biology and specific reproduction related information of the species will support a sustainable use of this fishery resource to avoid overexploitation.

Canadian National Park

Canadian Post issued two the stamp set features their national park on July 2007.
The respectively issue are one of issue stamps depicts Terra Nova National Park  released on July 6,2007 and  the other issue stamp depicts Jasper National Park released on July 20,2007. Both  stamps have uniform face value.

Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park is located on the east coast of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, along several inlets of Bonavista Bay. Terra Nova National Park was created in 1957 and was the first National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador. Terra Nova protects the Eastern Island Boreal Forest natural region.

Terra Nova's landscape is typical of the northeast coast of Newfoundland, with remnants of the Appalachian Mountains contributing to widely varied and rugged topography throughout the region. The coastline varies from cliffs and exposed headlands to sheltered inlets and coves, contributing to Newfoundland's prime recreational boating area.

National Park of Argentina – 7th series

Correo Argentino SA, issued the seventh series of the national park of Argentina on March 22, 2003. The issue are consist of four stamps depicted the national park , i.e.  Los cardones National park (50c),  National Reserve Estricta Colonia Benitez (50c), Copo National Park (50c),Campo de los Alisos National Park (75c),  Monte León National Park (75c).

National park Los Cardones

The Los Cardones National Park was created in 1996 as a national park of Argentina, located in the center-west of the province of Salta, within the San Carlos and Cachi Departments, in the Argentine Northwest. The park has an area of 650 square kilometres, with hills and ravines at the height levels between 2,700 m and 5,000 m.It is important the bush formation with the “cardones” predominance.It features fossil remains of extinct animals, as well as dinosaur tracks.

Udawalawe National Park–Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are an endangered species and their survival in their natural habitats is threatened due to human activities. Elephants in the wild are constantly being killed, and many elephant calves become orphaned. In order to support these orphaned elephants, the Department of Wildlife Conservation set up the Elephant Transit Home within Udawalawe National Park with help from the Born Free Foundation.The facility was established under the 29th Amendment to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance Part II.

Udawalawe National Park is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan Elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir.The reserve covers 30,821 hectares  of land area and was established on 30 June 1972.

Animals of Ba Vi National Park - Vietnam

 

Ba Vi National Park is a national park located 48 km  west of Hanoi, Vietnam. The park area  is 7,377 ha, and is located in the Ba Vì mountain range. The park has rich and diverse tropical and subtropical species of flora and fauna. The park is home for more than 800 rare and exotic plants, 280 of which have medicinal applications. It also boasts 44 species of mammal, 15 species of reptile, 9 species of amphibian and more than 100 bird species. This roughly explains why Ba Vi National Park is called “Capital Hanoi’s lung” by most Hanoians.

Ba Vi National Park is located in Ba Vi district of Hanoi and 2 districts of Hoa Binh Province, namely Luong Son and Ky Son. The Park is situated on a mountain range running north-east and south-west with its peak at Vua Peak of 1,296 m and Tan Vien Peak of 1,226 m and Ngoc Hoa Peak of 1,120

To commemorate the importance of Ba Vi National park, Vietnam Post issued the stamp set features animals of this park, Chinese Pangolin, Sumatran Serow, Red-flying squirrel, Asian Black Bear in year 2003

Chinese Pangolin

The Chinese pangolin is a rather secretive animal. They are considered nocturnal creatures and are extremely shy. They move very slowly and are known for their non-aggressive behavior. Their hard scales work as a protection cover from predators and when they feel endangered, they curl themselves in a ball. Chinese pangolins are mainly terrestrial animals and are observed in forests that are about 20 feet high from the ground.

Biodiversity of Hong Kong

The United Nations has proclaimed 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity.  Therefore  Hong Kong Post presents the commemorative stamp set of four special stamps featuring endemic species including the Hong Kong paradise fish Macropodus hongkongensis, Romer's tree frog (the smallest frog species found in Hong Kong), Sinopora hongkongensis (a plant first discovered in Tai Mo Shan which is new to science) and Fukienogomphus choifongae (a dragonfly first discovered in Wu Kau Tang which is also new to science).The stamps were issued on June 30, 2010.

Macropodus hongkongensis is a new species  endemic in Hong Kong and should be treated as an endangered species.   Compare with the related species  Macropodus concolor,  Macropodus hongkongensis have some discrepancies like the scale pigmentation, appearance overall, the pelvic fin rays .

Year of Fresh Water – Zambia

Celebrating  the year of freshwater as declared by United Nation, Zambia Post issued the stamp set , one miniature sheet consist of three postage stamps, and one souvenir sheet on July 30 2003. The issue stamp depicts the fresh water sources of Zambia and Zimbabwe, such as: Victoria fall, Lake Kariba, Mana Pool, Cahora Bassa Dam

Victoria falls

The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is a largest waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.This claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres and height of 108 metres, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The rapid development of surround this place , has prompted the United Nations to consider revoking the Victoria Falls status as a World Heritage Site.

Summer nature 0f Sweden

 

Sweden Post devoted to  their National park by issued the stamp set  features among of the listed park on  14 May 2009 . The National Park was depicted are Abisko National Park, Garphyttan, Store Mosse national Park and Stenshuvud National park

Abisko National Park

Geographically, Abisko is situated in the Swedish province of Lapland near the Norwegian border (distance approx. 37 railway km), and belongs to Kiruna Municipality, Sweden's northernmost and largest municipality.  The total area is 77 km².

The park was established in 1909, the same year Sweden's first laws on nature conservation were created.

The intentions of the Abisko National Park was to "preserve an area with northern Nordic fell nature in its original condition and as a reminiscence for scientific research". The region has proved to be of much scientific interest, as is evidenced by the Abisko Scientific Research Station which exists to study the area. Furthermore, the national park was intended to be a prominent tourism attraction.

Abisko is also home to the Abisko Scientific Research Station, first established in 1903 near the Abisko village and incorporated with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1935. It is used primarily for environmental, biological, and geological research and contains several on-site laboratories as well as off-site field research stations.

There are many species of birds in the park. Of the mammals, smaller ones like the marten, stoat, squirrel, the fell lemming and similar are common parts of the fauna. Of larger animals, the Moose and reindeer are common, and moose droppings and tracks are found; however, wolverines, arctic foxes, lynx and bears are only seen sporadically.

Stenshuvud National Park

Stenshuvud is a hill in the southeastern corner of Sweden, in the province of Scania, close to Kivik in Simrishamn Municipality. Since 1986, it is one of the National parks of Sweden. The park covers an area of about 3.9 km².

Yllastunturi National Park- Finland

To promote their national park, Finland Post issued the stamp set features Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park   on January 22, 2009. The issue only one stamp depict this national park and shown map of its location .

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is the third-largest national park in Finland, located in the Lapland region and   covering 1,020 square kilometres . The high fells of the park are the southernmost place to see some arctic species in Finland. There are almost 100 kilometres  of fell chain in the National Park. The highest fell in this chain is Taivaskero, which is 807 metres  high.

 

Most of the park consists of primeval forests and various types of muskeg. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park was formally established in 2005, when Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park was joined with Ylläs-Aakenus protected area. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has around 350 kilometres  of marked hiking trails. There are 14 nature trails in the National Park, of which 8 are in the Ylläs area, 4 in the Pallas area, and 2 are in the Ounastunturi Fells area.There are many options for day trips.The most popular hiking trail in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is the Hetta–Pallas Trail, which is 55 kilometres  long

Yavoriv National Natural Park - Ukraine

Ukrainian Post   issued  the  stamp set  features  the Yavoriv  National Nature Park  in one miniature sheet on March 3, 2003. The issue consist of three stamps depicted the flora fauna species which are found in there, such as : Common Kingfisher, the Emperor moth and Lady’s slipper orchid.

Yavoriv National Natural Park

Yavoriv National Nature Park was founded in 1999 for not only preservation but for restorage and rational usage of natural landscapes of Roztochya as well. During the short period of time scientific, eco-educational work is organized here, ecological passes are created, local people are involved in nature protection activities.

Horton Plain National Park

 

Horton Plains National Park was designated a national park in 1998. This park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres  is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. 

Sri Lankan Post issued the stamp set comprises of  4 stamps and one souvenir sheet that depicts species of Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka on September 07, 2010. The species depicted  are Sri Lanka Whistling thrush, Rhino-horn lizard, Sri Lankan Sambar deer, and Purple-faced leaf monkey.

Torronsuo National Park of Finland

 
On 13 September 2010 , Itella Corporation Finland , issued a stamp feature the National Park of Finland, Torronsuo National park. 

Torronsuo National Park  is a national park in the Tavastia Proper region of Finland and covers area of 25.5 square kilometers. . The park area is a typical ombrotrophic raised bog – a thick turf layer with its middle part raising above its edges. The turf layer is one of the thickest measured among Finnish bogs, locally extending to 12 metres.

Torronsuo  National Park is valuable for its birdlife and butterfly species. Roughly a hundred species nest in the area. Part of the birds and insects are species that typically live in the northern areas, and they aren't seen much elsewhere in southern Finland.

Technorati Tags: Finland,Torronsuo National Park

Hanbury Botanic Gardens in Italia

Italia Post issued the single stamp features the Hanbury Botanic Gardens on May 29, 2010.The gardens were established by Sir Thomas Hanbury on a small, steep peninsula jutting southwards from an altitude of 103 meters down into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Hanbury Botanic Gardens in Ventimiglia  has depicted on stamp with  the background image of  Villa Hanbury, looking onto the Ligurian Sea and nestling amid the characteristic Mediterranean maquis vegetation and rare exotic plants.The markings on stamp shown the words “GIARDINI BOTANICI HANBURY” (Hanbury botanical gardens), “ITALIA”, and the denomination “€ 0,60” complete the stamp .

Owls of Luxembourg

 

Luxembourg Post issued the fauna stamp series feature owls species on March 8, 1999. The issue stamps composed of three postage stamps depicts Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Eagle Owl with different nominal face value.

The Tawny Owl (strix aluco)

The Tawny Owl is certainly the most frequent owl in  regions of Luxembourg.The tawny owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night, but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland up against a tree trunk or among ivy. It breeds in mixed woodlands as well as in urban parks.

The Tawny Owl is an owl the size of a pigeon. The distinctive of this bird are  a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. 

The Tawny Owl feeds Small mammals and rodents, small birds, frogs, fish, insects and worms . Its voice is a classic melodious hoot, often heard in horror films at the nearby cemetery. To hear the male and female calling during springtime in a shallow night is an outstanding experience for everybody.