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.

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.

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.

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.