The Giant Sea Fan of Niue - Annella mollis

The Giant Sea Fan or Annella mollis is a soft coral that found throughout Niue’s picturesque coral reef. To tribute this species, Niue Post collaborated with WWF organization released a set of four stamps, one miniature sheet, and two of official First Day Cover on September 05, 2012.

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 and are always placed transverse to the sea current, making it easier for it to fish its food (small plankton) out of the water. Most soft corals have no true skeleton and so their bodies are flexible. Some soft corals have spikes very similar to rose thorns which may help to protect against predators.

The first of local  FDC have attached set of four single stamps and have background image of this species on the left cover. Also marked logo of WWF and has special post marks a picture of a diver exploring Niue’s waters. This unique datestamp reflecting the large number of tourists who experience Niue’s breathtaking diving environment.

Stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium)

 

Slovenia Post have issued the local WWF first day cover  along with the launched the stamp series of  Stone crayfish (Austropotamobious torrentium) on September 23, 2011.   The First Day Cover has image of this species on the left-bottom side . The issued of  four  postage stamps has placed on the top rows of FDC and  cancelled with  postmark of WWF logo.

The stone crayfish is a member of the order Decapoda, or ten-legged crustaceans. Three species of crayfish live in fresh water in Slovenia: the noble crayfish, the stone crayfish and white-clawed crayfish.

 

The stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) is smaller than the noble crayfish. It grows up to 10 cm and lives primarily in small streams and also at higher elevations. It lives in streams that have mainly rocky beds, where it hides beneath the rocks. Its carapace is usually brown, and the underside of the claws is lighter and never red as are those of the noble crayfish. Its range extends throughout central and southern Europe.

In Slovenia it is widespread mainly in the Sava and Drava watersheds, and is less present in the Primorska and Pomurje regions. Due to its small size it was never very interesting economically and was never bred or used as a food source.  

Due to the regulation of watercourses and water pollution, all of these crayfish species are highly threatened and therefore also protected. Natura 2000 protection areas have been established in order to protect the stone crayfish.

Fiji’s Tuna Today and for the Future

 

Fiji Post have collaborated with WWF organization issued the stamp set feature Fiji’s tuna, in related with the concern topic of Fiji government regarding to their population for today and the future, on April 07, 2004. The species of tuna are depicted are skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna,  and albacore. The issues are presented in one miniature sheet consist of 4  single stamps and local first day cover that have background image of tuna fishes in the sea with logo of WWF and motto “ Fiji’s Tuna Today and for the Future” as reminder for every one to care this species.

Iceland – 50th Anniversary of WWF Organization

In the year 2011,  World Wide Fund for Nature have  celebrated the 50th anniversary. Iceland Post commemorated this  anniversary by issued the special stamp features endangered birds. The officially FDC also issued together with stamp. On the FDC have marked logo of WWF and noticed the 50th anniversary. A comprehensive survey of endangered birds was first issued in the year 2000 listing 32 bird species which account for 42% of all Icelandic breeding birds. Not all these species are in immediate danger of extinction.

Butterflies of Ireland - 2005

Ireland Post  has issued the local FDC  together the stamp set featuring the species of butterflies , Small Copper / Lycaena phlaeas, Green Hairstreak / Callophrys rubi , Pearl-bordered Fritillary / Boloria euphrosyne , and Painted Lady on May 24, 2005. The issue stamps have designed by Ian Loe Artwork, consist of 4 single postage stamps and one souvenir sheet. Maxi cards also issued  and depicted each species in more detail.

Cay Van ( Owston's Banded Civets )- Vietnam 2005

Vietnam Post together with WWF organization issued  stamp set features the rare species, Owston’s palm civet or Chrotogale owstoni on  May 2, 2005. The issue presented in 4 postage stamps and one souvenir sheet . Along with this issuance,  Vietnam Post also released 2 (two) local FDC which depicted the species on the left-side  and a special cancellation mark.

Orchid flower of Suriname–Special Issued 1986.

This stamp series are special issue by Suriname Post and WWF organization  on 19 February 1998. The Local FDC issued by Suriname Post on the same date. The species depicted on stamps are epidendrum ciliare, epidendrum vespa, epidendrum anceps, cyenoches chlorochilon, meanwhile the species of epidendrum ciliare drawn  on  the left side of fdc. A special post mark have shape of orchid flower.