ANIMALS – MAMMALS – PRIMATES – COLLARED MANGABEY (CERCOCEBUS TORQUATUS)

Animals - Mammals - Primates

Collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Primates
Family :Cercopithecidae
Genus :Cercocebus
Species : C. Torquatus

Description:

The Collared mangabey(Cercocebus torquatus), also known as the Red-capped mangabey, or the White-collared mangabey (leading to easy confusion with Cercocebus atys lunulatus), is a species of primatein the family Cercopithecidaeof Old World monkeys. It formerly included the sooty mangabey as a subspecies. As presently defined, the collared mangabey is monotypic.

The collared mangabey has grey fur covering its body, but its common names refer to the colors on its head and neck. Its prominent chestnut-red cap gives it the name red-capped, and its white collar gives it the names collared and white-collared. Its ears are black and it has striking white eyelids, which is why some refer to it as the "four-eyed monkey". It has a dark grey tail that exceeds the length of the body and is often held with the white tip over its head. It has long molars and very large incisors. The average body mass for captive individuals ranges from 9 to 10 kg (20 to 22 lb) for males and 7.5 to 8.6 kg (17 to 19 lb) for females. Head-body length is 47–67 cm (19–26 in) in males and 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in females.

The collared mangabey is found in coastal, swamp, mangrove, and valley forests, from western Nigeria, east and south into Cameroon, and throughout Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, and on the Gabon-Congo border by the Atlantic shore.

The collared mangabey is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Redlist due to habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat. It is also listed on Appendix II of CITES and on Class B of the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Binomial Name:

Name : Cercocebus torquatus
Taxonomist : Robert Kerr (Bughtridge - Scotland)
Year : 1792
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Vulnerable

A Vulnerable species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity.

Philatelic Issues

2016 – Uruguay – Unique Stamp, from Year of the Monkey Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: January 28th, 2016
Printed: 15.003 Copies
Type: Unique Stamp from Series
Value:UYP 20

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SEABIRDS – BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS (THALASSARCHE MELANOPHRIS)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Procellariiformes
Family : Diomedeidae
Genus : Thalassarche
Species : T. Melanophris

Description:

The Black-browed albatross(Thalassarche melanophris), also known as theBlack-browed mollymawk, is a large seabird of the albatross family Diomedeidae; it is the most widespread and common member of its family.

Mollymawks are albatrosses in the family Diomedeidae and order Procellariiformes, which also includes shearwaters, fulmars, storm petrels, and diving petrels. These birds share certain identifying features. They have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill called naricorns, although the nostrils on the albatross are on the sides of the bill. The bills of Procellariiformes are also unique in that they are split into between seven and nine horny plates. They produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This is used against predators as well as being an energy-rich food source for chicks and also for the adults during their long flights. The albatross also has a salt gland above the nasal passage which helps to remove salt from the ocean water that they imbibe. The gland excretes a high saline solution through the bird's nose.

The black-browed albatross was first described as Diomedea melanophrisby Coenraad Jacob Temminck, in 1828, based on a specimen from the Cape of Good Hope.

The black-browed albatross is a medium-sized albatross, at 80 to 95 cm (31–37 in) longwith a 200 to 240 cm (79–94 in) wingspan and an average weight of 2.9 to 4.7 kg (6.4–10.4 lb). It can have a natural lifespan of over 70 years. It has a dark grey saddle and upperwings that contrast with the white rump, and underparts. The underwing is predominantly white with broad, irregular, black margins. It has a dark eyebrow and a yellow-orange bill with a darker reddish-orange tip. Juveniles have dark horn-colored bills with dark tips, and a grey head and collar. They also have dark underwings. The features that distinguish it from other mollymawks (except the closely related Campbell albatross) are the dark eyestripe which gives it its name, a broad black edging to the white underside of its wings, white head and orange bill, tipped darker orange.

Binomial Name:

Name : Thalassarche melanophris
Taxonomist : Coenraad Jacob Temminck (Amsterdam - Netherlands)
Year : 1828
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Diomedea melanophris

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened speciesis a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT)by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2004 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Seabirds Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: January 22nd, 20
Printed: 15.000 copies
Type : Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value : UYP 14

Stamp : Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – FISHES – SILVERSIDES – ARGENTINIAN SILVERSIDE (ODONTESTHES BONARIENSIS)

Animals - Fishes - Silversides

Argentinian silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Atheriniformes
Family : Atherinopsidae
Genus : Odontesthes
Species : O. Bonariensis

Description:

The Argentinian silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) is a species of bony fish of the family Atherinopsidae, that is found in the southern area of the Plata Basin.

It is a species found in coastal waters of southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Uruguay, in the rivers: Rio de la Plata, Rio Tercero, Parana, Uruguay, and Tramandai.

It is a fast fish slightly compressed, fusiform body, has a silvery color with two longitudinal bands darker, marked ventral curve, strong head, bone at the top, protráctil mouth; two flaps on the back (a small first with flexible radios, the second longest and flexible radio), ventral fins without spines or saws. Silver color and something shiny bluish flank stripe. The tail is fork-shaped. He lives mostly in schools.

With rapid growth, is one of the largest in adulthood; some specimens have reached 60 cm. long and 20 cm thick, and 3 kg, but the average size is smaller, 40 cmto 800 grams. Its high reproduction rate, the quality of its meat, indicate it as important for intensive and extensive crop species.

Binomial Name:

Name : Odontesthes bonariensis
Taxonomist : Achille Valenciennes (Paris - France)
Year : 1835
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened speciesis a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT)by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2005 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 4, from River Fishes Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: November 22nd, 2005
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value:UYP 16

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – FISHES – STURGEONS – RUSSIAN STURGEON (ACIPENSER GUELDENSTAEDTII)

Animals - Fishes - Sturgeons

Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Acipenseriformes
Family : Acipenseridae
Genus : Acipenser
Species : A. Gueldenstaedtii

Description:

The Russian sturgeon(Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), also known as the diamond sturgeon or Danube sturgeon, is a species of fishin the Acipenseridaefamily. It is found in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. It is also found in the Caspian Sea. This fish can grow up to about 235 cm (93 in) and weigh 115 kg (254 lb). Russian sturgeon mature and reproduce slowly, making them highly vulnerable to fishing. It is distinguished from other Acipenser species by its short snout with a rounded tip as well as its lower lip which is interrupted at its center.

The Russian sturgeon can grow to 210 cm (83 in) but a more normal size is 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in). It has a relatively short and rounded snout with three pairs of unfringed barbels closer to the tip of the snout that to the mouth. The dorsal fin has 27 to 48 soft rays and the anal fin has 16 to 35. The number of scales along the lateral line varies from 21 to 50. This fish can be distinguished from the otherwise similar starry sturgeon by the shape of its snout, its barbels and scale arrangement. The upper surface is greyish-green, the lateral scales are pale and the belly white.

The Russian sturgeon is native to the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea. It is an anadromous fish and moves into the river systems that drain into these seas in order to make its way to spawning areas upstream. It is usually found near the bottom in fairly shallow water over sandy or muddy substrates.

The Russian sturgeon feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fishes such as gobies, anchovies and sprats. It is solitary when in the sea but becomes gregarious as it moves up-river in April, May and June to spawn.

Binomial Name:

Name : Acipenser gueldenstaedtii
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich von Brandt (Jüterbog - Germany) and Julius Theodor Christian Ratzeburg (Berlin - Germany)
Year : 1833
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Critically endangered

A Critically Endangered (CR) species is one which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.[1] It is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN Red List for wild species.

Philatelic Issues

2009 – Uruguay – Unique Stamp, from Mercosur Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 30th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Unique Stamp from Series
Value: UYP 37

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – MAMMALS – CETACEANS – LA PLATA DOLPHIN (PONTOPORIA BLAINVILLEI)

Animals - Mammals - Cetaceans

La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Subclass : Eutheria
Order : Cetacea
Suborder : Odontoceti
Superfamily : Inioidea
Family : Pontoporiidae
Genus : Pontoporia
Species : P. Blainvillei

Description:

The La Plata dolphinor Franciscana(Pontoporia blainvillei) is found in coastal Atlantic waters of southeastern South America. It is a member of the river dolphin group and the only one that actually lives in the ocean and saltwater estuaries, rather than inhabiting exclusively freshwater systems.

The La Plata dolphin is the only species in its genus, and is often placed in its own family, the Pontoporiidae. It was first described by Paul Gervais and Alcide d'Orbigny in 1844(the species epithet blainvillei commemorates the French zoologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville).

The La Plata dolphin is also widely known as the Franciscana - the Argentine and Uruguayan name that has been adopted internationally. Other common names are the toninha (the Brazilian name) and cachimbo.

The La Plata dolphin has the longest beak (as a proportion of body size) of any cetacean — as much as 15% in older adults. Males grow to 1.6 m (5 ft, 3 in) and females to 1.8 m (5 ft, 10 in). The body is a greyish brown colour, with a lighter underside. The flippers are also very large in comparison with body size and are very broad, but narrow on joining the body, so are almost triangular in shape. The trailing edges are serrated. The crescent-shaped blowhole lies just in front of a crease in the neck, giving the impression that dolphin forever has its head cricked upwards. The dorsal fin has a long base and a rounded tip.

The La Plata dolphin weighs up to 50 kg (110 lb), and lives for up to 20 years. The gestation period is around 10–11 months and juveniles take just a few years to mature. Females may be giving birth by the age of five.

Binomial Name:

Name : Pontoporia blainvillei
Taxonomist : Paul Gervais (Paris - France) and Alcide d'Orbigny (Couëron - France)
Year : 1844
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Vulnerable

A Vulnerable species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 4, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: August 31st, 2012
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – REPTILES – TURTLES - GREEN SEA TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS)

Animals - Reptiles - Turtles

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Suborder : Cryptodira
Family : Cheloniidae
Genus : Chelonia
Species : C. Mydas

Description:

The Green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas), also known as the green turtle, black (sea) turtle, or Pacific green turtle, is a large sea turtle of the family Cheloniidae. This species is named for the green color of its fat, rather than the color of its skin of shell as most people think. These turtles shells are in fact olive to black. It is the only species in the genus Chelonia. Its range extends throughout tropical and subtropical seas around the world, with two distinct populations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The common name comes from the usually green fat found beneath its carapace.

This sea turtle's dorsoventrally flattened body is covered by a large, teardrop-shaped carapace; it has a pair of large, paddle-like flippers. It is usually lightly colored, although in the eastern Pacific populations parts of the carapace can be almost black. Unlike other members of its family, such as the hawksbill sea turtle, C. mydas is mostly herbivorous. The adults usually inhabit shallow lagoons, feeding mostly on various species of seagrasses. The turtles bite off the tips of the blades of seagrass, which keeps the grass healthy.

C. mydas is listed as endangeredby the IUCNand CITESand is protected from exploitation in most countries. It is illegal to collect, harm or kill them. In addition, many countries have laws and ordinances to protect nesting areas. However, turtles are still in danger due to human activity. In some countries, turtles and their eggs are hunted for food. Pollution indirectly harms turtles at both population and individual scales. Many turtles die caught in fishing nets. Also, real estate development often causes habitat loss by eliminating nesting beaches.

Binomial Name:

Name : Chelonia mydas
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : None, or no data available
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Endangered

An Endangered (EN) species is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to become extinct. "Endangered" is the second most severe conservation status for wild populations in the IUCN's schema after Critically Endangered (CR).

Many nations have laws that protect conservation-reliant species: for example, forbidding hunting, restricting land development or creating preserves. Population numbers, trends and species' conservation status can be found in the lists of organisms by population.

Philatelic Issues

2013 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 2, from Tourist Sites:Atlantic Coastline Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: December 4th, 2015
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 27 mm. x 39 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - SONGBIRDS - SAFFRON-COWLED BLACKBIRD (XANTHOPSAR FLAVUS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Saffron-cowled blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family :Icteridae
Genus : Xanthopsar
Species : X. Flavus

Description:

The Saffron-cowled blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, in the monotypic genus Xanthopsar. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (where it is found at the Quebrada de los Cuervos).

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and pastureland.

It is threatened by habitat loss.

Binomial Name:

Name : Xanthopsar flavus
Taxonomist : Johann Friedrich Gmelin (Tübingen - Germany)
Year : 1788
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Vulnerable

A Vulnerable species is one which has been categorised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve.

Vulnerability is mainly caused by habitat loss or destruction. Vulnerable habitat or species are monitored and can become increasingly threatened. Some species listed as "vulnerable" may be common in captivity.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 7 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS - BIRDS - FLAMINGOS - CHILEAN FLAMINGO (PHOENICOPTERUS CHILENSIS)

Animals - Birds - Flamingos

Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Phoenicopteriformes
Family :Phoenicopteridae
Genus :Phoenicopterus
Species : P. Chilensis

Description:

The Chilean flamingo(Phoenicopterus chilensis) is a large species of flamingoat 110–130 cm (43–51 in)closely related to American flamingo and greater flamingo, with which it was sometimes considered conspecific.

It breeds in South America from Ecuador and Peru to Chile and Argentina and east to Brazil; it has been introduced into Germany and the Netherlands (colony on the border, Zwilbrockervenn). There is also a small population in Utah and California. Like all flamingos it lays a single chalky white egg on a mud mound.

The plumage is pinker than the slightly larger greater flamingo, but less so than Caribbean flamingo. It can be differentiated from these species by its greyish legs with pink joints (tibio-tarsal articulation), and also by the larger amount of black on the bill (more than half). Young chicks may have no sign of pink coloring whatsoever, but instead remain grey.

Binomial Name:

Name : Phoenicopterus chilensis
Taxonomist : Juan Ignacio Molina (Guaraculén, Chile)
Year : 1782
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Near-threatened species

A Near-threatened speciesis a species which has been categorized as "Near Threatened" (NT)by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near future, although it does not currently qualify for the threatened status. The IUCN notes the importance of re-evaluating near-threatened taxa at appropriate intervals.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 3 of 10, from Wetland Animals Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 5th, 2015
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 10 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated