Issue: Endangered Species

Type: First Day Cover

Number of Stamps: 6

Issue Date: 20 January 1998

Design: Robert Maude

Issued By: Royal Mail, UK

About Endangered Species

Common Dormouse

The Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), also known as the Hazel Dormouse or Eurasian Dormouse, is a small, arboreal rodent native to Europe and parts of Asia. While it is not currently classified as critically endangered, it is considered a species of concern and is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

Here are some key details about the Common Dormouse and its conservation status:

Habitat: Common Dormice are typically found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub habitats. They prefer areas with a dense understory, where they can find shelter and food.

Description: Common Dormice are small, with a body length of around 6-9 cm (2.4-3.5 inches) and a tail length of 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches). They have golden-brown fur on their upper body and a white or cream-colored underside. Their bushy tail helps them maintain balance while moving through trees.

Diet: Dormice are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods. Their diet includes fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, insects, and bird eggs.

Reproduction: Common Dormice have a relatively low reproductive rate compared to other rodents. They typically have one or two litters per year, with an average of 4-6 young per litter. The young are born hairless and blind and are cared for by their mother until they are weaned.

Threats: The main threats to Common Dormice include habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, intensive agriculture, and urbanization. Loss of suitable nesting sites, such as old trees with cavities, is also a significant concern. Climate change and pesticide use may also affect their population by impacting their food availability.

Conservation efforts: Several conservation measures are in place to protect the Common Dormouse. These include the designation of protected areas, habitat restoration projects, and raising awareness about the species’ importance. In some regions, captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been implemented to bolster populations.

Lady’s Slipper Orchid

The Lady’s Slipper Orchid is a fascinating and highly sought-after group of orchids belonging to the genus Cypripedium. It is known for its unique and intricate flower structure, which resembles a slipper or shoe, giving it its common name. Here’s a brief overview of the Lady’s Slipper Orchid:

Description: Lady’s Slipper Orchids are terrestrial orchids, meaning they grow on the ground rather than in trees or on rocks. They have showy and often Colorful flowers with a pouch-shaped lip that resembles a slipper or shoe, hence the name. The flowers are usually large and complex, with intricate patterns and markings.

Diversity: The genus Cypripedium comprises approximately 50 species of Lady’s Slipper Orchids. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Different species have varying flower colors, ranging from shades of white, yellow, pink, and even purple.

Habitat: Lady’s Slipper Orchids typically thrive in moist and shaded habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and meadows. They often prefer acidic soil and can be found in a variety of environments, including temperate and boreal forests, alpine meadows, and wetlands.

Conservation status: Many species of Lady’s Slipper Orchids face conservation challenges due to habitat loss, habitat degradation, and overcollection. Several species are listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, while others are protected by national or international legislation. Due to their popularity among collectors, illegal trade and poaching can further threaten their survival.

Reproduction: Lady’s Slipper Orchids have a unique reproductive process. Their flowers have complex mechanisms to ensure pollination. The pouch-shaped lip of the flower acts as a trap, attracting pollinators such as bees and flies. Once inside the slipper, the pollinators must navigate past hairs and sticky surfaces to reach the reproductive organs. This arrangement helps ensure successful pollination and increases the chance of seed production.

Cultivation: Cultivating Lady’s Slipper Orchids can be challenging, as they have specific environmental requirements and often depend on symbiotic relationships with soil fungi for proper growth. Some species are more adaptable to cultivation than others, but they generally require cool, shaded conditions and well-draining, slightly acidic soil.

Lady’s Slipper Orchids are highly valued for their beauty and uniqueness, both in the wild and in horticulture. Their conservation is crucial to ensure the preservation of these remarkable plants and their ecological roles in their respective habitats.

Endangered Species

Song Thrush

The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a medium-sized songbird belonging to the thrush family (Turdidae). It is known for its melodious song, which is one of the most beautiful and varied among bird species. Here’s some information about the Song Thrush:

Description: The Song Thrush has a plump body, measuring about 20-24 centimeters (8-9.5 inches) in length. It has a brownish upper body with dark streaks and a pale underbody with dark spots. The throat and chest are usually yellowish with dark spots or arrow-shaped markings. Its beak is yellowish and fairly long.

Distribution: Song Thrushes are found across Europe, including the British Isles, and into parts of Asia. They are migratory in some regions but resident in others. During the breeding season, they can be found in woodland, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. In winter, they may move to more open habitats such as farmland and coastal areas.

Song: The Song Thrush is known for its rich and melodious song, which consists of a series of clear, varied phrases. Its repertoire often includes repeated motifs and imitations of other bird songs, as well as various whistles, trills, and fluting notes. The song is typically delivered from a prominent perch, such as the top of a tree.

Diet: Song Thrushes have a varied diet. They primarily feed on invertebrates, such as earthworms, snails, slugs, insects, and their larvae. They may also consume berries, fruits, and seeds, especially during the winter months when invertebrates are less abundant.

Breeding: Song Thrushes usually breed between April and July. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of grass, leaves, and mud, often lined with finer materials. It is typically located in a tree or shrub. The female lays a clutch of 4-5 pale blue or greenish-blue eggs and incubates them for around two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge after about two weeks.

Conservation status: The Song Thrush is generally considered a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, as it has a large population and a relatively broad distribution range. However, like many other bird species, it faces threats such as habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and intensification of land use. Pesticide use can also indirectly affect them by reducing their prey availability.

The Song Thrush’s beautiful song and its adaptability to various habitats make it a beloved and well-known bird species across its range. Its presence and song enrich the natural environment and provide delight to bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Shining Ram’s-horn Snail (Segmentine Nitida)

Description: Shining Ram’s-horn Snail (Segmentina nitida) is a small freshwater snail belonging to the family Planorbidae. It has a coiled, conical shell with a glossy and smooth surface. The shell’s color can vary but is typically light brown or reddish-brown. The snail itself has a soft body with a head bearing sensory tentacles and eyes.

Distribution: Segmentina nitida is native to parts of Europe and Western Asia. It can be found in various freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and marshes. It prefers aquatic environments with vegetation and relatively calm waters.

Behavior and Habitat: These snails are often found in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies with abundant vegetation. They graze on algae and detritus present on submerged surfaces, including plants, rocks, and other submerged substrates. They are generally active at night and spend the day hidden in vegetation or attached to surfaces.

Reproduction: Segmentina nitida is a hermaphroditic species, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They can reproduce by self-fertilization or through cross-fertilization with other individuals. After mating, the snails lay small, gelatinous eggs in clusters on submerged surfaces.

Ecological Role: Segmentina nitida, like other snails, plays a role in nutrient cycling and algae control within aquatic ecosystems. They help to keep algal populations in check by grazing on them, thus contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.

Mole Cricket

The Mole Cricket is an insect belonging to the family Gryllotalpidae, known for its unique adaptation to living underground. Here’s some information about mole crickets:

Description: Mole crickets have a robust body with powerful forelimbs adapted for digging. They are typically brown or gray in color and have cylindrical bodies, similar in appearance to true crickets. Their front legs are shovel-like, ideal for burrowing through soil.

Distribution: Mole crickets are found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They prefer warm and moist habitats, such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and gardens.

Adaptations: Mole crickets have several adaptations that allow them to live an underground lifestyle. Their front legs are specialized for digging and burrowing through the soil. They have reduced eyesight since they primarily navigate through touch and vibrations in the ground. Additionally, their hind legs are well-developed for jumping.

Behavior: Mole crickets are predominantly active during the night. They spend most of their time underground, where they create elaborate burrow systems. These burrows serve as shelters and provide access to their food sources, such as roots, tubers, and insects that they encounter while digging.

Reproduction: Mole crickets have a unique mating behavior. Males construct elaborate courtship burrows and produce distinctive mating calls to attract females. After mating, the female lays her eggs in an underground chamber. The female guards and cares for the eggs until they hatch, after which the nymphs start their own digging activities.

Pest Status: While mole crickets are ecologically important, they can also be considered pests in certain situations. Their burrowing activities can damage lawns, agricultural crops, and golf courses. The damage is primarily caused by their feeding on roots and the soil disruption caused by their burrows.

Control: Integrated pest management techniques can be used to control mole cricket populations. These may include cultural practices such as monitoring and adjusting irrigation, biological control methods using natural predators, and the judicious use of chemical control measures if necessary.

It’s important to note that there are several species of mole crickets, and their specific characteristics, behavior, and distribution may vary. Understanding the particular species present in a specific region is essential for effective management and control strategies.

Devil’s Bolete

The Devil’s Bolete, also known as Boletus satanas or Rubroboletus satanas, is a species of mushroom belonging to the Boletaceae family. Here’s some information about the Devil’s Bolete:

Description: The Devil’s Bolete is a large and striking mushroom known for its vibrant red color. It has a stout stem and a cap that can range from deep red to purplish-red. The cap’s surface is usually dry and smooth, and it can reach a diameter of up to 30 centimeters (12 inches).

Distribution: The Devil’s Bolete is found primarily in deciduous and coniferous forests in Europe. It is most commonly encountered in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and parts of Central Europe. It prefers acidic soils and is associated with certain tree species, including oak and beech.

Toxicity: The Devil’s Bolete is considered highly toxic and is not recommended for consumption. It contains a variety of toxins, including muscarine, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Ingestion of this mushroom can lead to potentially serious health complications, so it is advised to avoid consuming it.

Similar Species: The Devil’s Bolete is often confused with other red-capped mushrooms, such as Boletus erythropus or Rubroboletus legaliae. It is essential to accurately identify the mushroom using key features such as the color, texture, and presence of certain characteristics like the reticulation (a net-like pattern) on the stem.

Ecosystem Role: Like other mushrooms, the Devil’s Bolete plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems. It forms a mycorrhizal relationship with trees, establishing a symbiotic association where the mushroom provides nutrients to the tree while receiving carbohydrates in return. This association contributes to the overall health and nutrient cycling within the forest.

It’s crucial to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms, especially if you are not an experienced mycologist. Misidentification of mushrooms can have serious consequences, including poisoning. It is recommended to rely on experts and reputable sources for accurate identification and to refrain from consuming any wild mushroom unless you are confident about its identity and edibility.