ANIMALS – MAMMALS – EQUIDS – WILD HORSE (EQUUS FERUS) #2

Animals - Mammals - Equids

Wild Horse (Equus ferus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae
Genus : Equus
Species : E. Ferus

Description:

The Wild horse(Equus ferus) is a species of the genus Equus, which includes as subspecies the modern domesticated horse (Equus ferus caballus) as well as the undomesticated tarpan (Equus ferus ferus), now extinct, and the endangered Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). Przewalski's horse was saved from the brink of extinction and reintroduced successfully to the wild. The tarpan became extinct in the 19th century, though it was a possible ancestor of the domestic horse, and roamed the steppes of Eurasia at the time of domestication. However, other subspecies of Equus ferus may have existed and could have been the stock from which domesticated horses are descended.

The horse family Equidaeand the genus Equusevolved in North America, before the species moved into the Eastern Hemisphere. Studies using ancient DNA, as well as DNA of recent individuals, shows the presence of two closely related horse species in North America, the wild horse and the "New World stilt-legged horse”. Currently, three subspecies that lived during recorded human history are recognized. The widespread domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus), the recently extinct tarpan (E. f. ferus) and the endangered Przewalski's horse (E. f. przewalskii). Genetically, the predomestication horse, E. f. ferus, and domesticated horse, E. f. caballus, form a single homogeneous group (clade) and are genetically indistinguishable from each other. Przewalski's horse has several unique genetic differences that distinguish it from the other subspecies, including 66 instead of 64 chromosomes, unique Y-chromosome gene haplotypes, and unique mtDNA haplotypes. Besides genetic differences, osteological evidence from across the Eurasian wild horse range, based on cranial and metacarpal differences, indicates the presence of only two subspecies in postglacial times, the tarpan and Przewalski's horse.

Binomial Name:

Name : Equus ferus
Taxonomist : Pieter Boddaert (Middelburg - Netherlands)
Year : 1785
Subspecies : 3 (Caballus, Przewalskii, Ferus)
Synonyms : None, or not data available

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

2016 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 3, from Remarkable Women Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 8th, 2016
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamps Series
Value:UYP 20

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

ANIMALS – MAMMALS – EQUIDS – WILD HORSE (EQUUS FERUS)

Animals - Mammals - Equids

Wild Horse (Equus ferus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Equidae
Genus : Equus
Species : E. Ferus

Description:

The Wild horse(Equus ferus) is a species of the genus Equus, which includes as subspecies the modern domesticated horse (Equus ferus caballus) as well as the undomesticated tarpan (Equus ferus ferus), now extinct, and the endangered Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). Przewalski's horse was saved from the brink of extinction and reintroduced successfully to the wild. The tarpan became extinct in the 19th century, though it was a possible ancestor of the domestic horse, and roamed the steppes of Eurasia at the time of domestication. However, other subspecies of Equus ferus may have existed and could have been the stock from which domesticated horses are descended.

The horse family Equidaeand the genus Equusevolved in North America, before the species moved into the Eastern Hemisphere. Studies using ancient DNA, as well as DNA of recent individuals, shows the presence of two closely related horse species in North America, the wild horse and the "New World stilt-legged horse”. Currently, three subspecies that lived during recorded human history are recognized. The widespread domestic horse (Equus ferus caballus), the recently extinct tarpan (E. f. ferus) and the endangered Przewalski's horse (E. f. przewalskii). Genetically, the predomestication horse, E. f. ferus, and domesticated horse, E. f. caballus, form a single homogeneous group (clade) and are genetically indistinguishable from each other. Przewalski's horse has several unique genetic differences that distinguish it from the other subspecies, including 66 instead of 64 chromosomes, unique Y-chromosome gene haplotypes, and unique mtDNA haplotypes. Besides genetic differences, osteological evidence from across the Eurasian wild horse range, based on cranial and metacarpal differences, indicates the presence of only two subspecies in postglacial times, the tarpan and Przewalski's horse.

Binomial Name:

Name : Equus ferus
Taxonomist : Pieter Boddaert (Middelburg - Netherlands)
Year : 1785
Subspecies : 3 (Caballus, Przewalskii, Ferus)
Synonyms : None, or not data available

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

2016 – Uruguay – Unique Miniature Sheet, from Patria Gaucha Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: March 4th, 2016
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Unique Miniature Sheet from Series
Value:UYP 20

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 90 mm. x 60 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

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 – MAMMALS – CETACEANS – SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE (EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS)

Animals - Mammals - Cetaceans

Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetacea
Suborder : Mysticeti
Superfamily : Inioidea
Family : Balaenidae
Genus : Eubalaena
Species : E. Australis

Description:

The Southern right whale(Eubalaena australis) is a baleen whale, one of three species classified as right whales belonging to the genus Eubalaena. Like other right whales, the southern right whale is readily distinguished from others by the callosities on its head, a broad back without a dorsal fin, and a long arching mouth that begins above the eye. Its skin is very dark grey or black, occasionally with some white patches on the belly. The right whale's callosities appear white due to large colonies of cyamids (whale lice). It is almost indistinguishable from the closely related North Atlantic and the North Pacific right whales, displaying only minor skull differences. It may have fewer callosities on its head and more on its lower lips than the two northern species. Approximately 10,000 southern right whales are spread throughout the southern part of the Southern Hemisphere.

The size of an adult female is 15 m (49 ft) and can weigh up to 47 tonnes (46 long tons; 52 short tons), with the larger records of 17.5–18 m (57–59 ft) in length and 80 tonnes (79 long tons; 88 short tons) or up to 90 tonnes (89 long tons; 99 short tons) in weight, making them slightly smaller than other right whales in Northern Hemisphere.] The testicles of right whales are likely to be the largest of any animal, each weighing around 500 kg (1,100 lb). This suggests that sperm competition is important in the mating process. Right whales cannot cross the warm equatorial waters to connect with the other (sub)species and (inter)breed: their thick layers of insulating blubber make it impossible for them to dissipate their internal body heat in tropical waters. However, based on historical records and unconfirmed sightings in modern periods, E. australis actually do occur in equatorial waters.

The proportion and numbers of molten-colored individuals are notable in this species compared with the other species in the Northern Hemisphere. Some whales remain white even after growing up.

Binomial Name:

Name : Eubalaena australis
Taxonomist : Lucie Simplice Camille Benoît Desmoulins (Guise - France)
Year : 1822
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : Many

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2011 - Uruguay - Full Se-Tenant, from Spring Series

Normal Se-Tenant

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: November 16th, 2011
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Full Se-Tenant  from Series of 4 Stamps
(4 Versions: Different Position of Stamps)
Values: UYP (37 + 12 + 12 + 37)

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

ANIMALS – MAMMALS – SEALS – ANTARCTIC FUR SEAL (ARCTOCEPHALUS GAZELLA)

Animals - Mammals - Seals

Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Suborder : Pinnipedia
Family : Otariidae
Subfamily :Arctocephalinae
Genus : Arctocephalus
Species : A. Gazella

Description:

The Antarctic fur seal(Arctocephalus gazella) is one of eight seals in the genus Arctocephalus, and one of nine fur sealsin the subfamily Arctocephalinae. As its name suggests, the Antarctic fur seal is distributed in Antarctic waters. Around 95% of the world population breeds at the Island of South Georgia. It is named after the German naval vessel, the corvette SMS Gazelle, which collected the first specimen from Kerguelen Island. The species is also known as the Kerguelen fur seal.

This fur seal is a fairly large animal and has a short and broad snout compared with others in the family. Adult males are dark brown in color. Females and juveniles tend to be grey with a lighter underside. Color patterns are highly variable, and some scientists believe some hybridisation with subantarctic fur seals has occurred. Pups are dark brown, nearly black at birth. About one in 1000 Antarctic fur seals are pale 'blonde' variants.

Males are substantially bigger than females. Antarctic fur seals grow up to 2 m (6.5 ft) longand weigh 91 kg (201 lb) to 215 kg (474 lb). Males live for about 15 years and females up to 25.

Antarctic fur seals appear to act alone when foraging and migrating. Males breed polygynously; a strong male may have more than a dozen female partners in a single season. Territories are established on breeding grounds in October to early November, when the musty-smelling males are extremely aggressive in defense of their harems. Females gestate for just over a year - giving birth in November or December. Pups are weaned at about four months old. Juveniles may then spend several years at sea before returning to begin their breeding cycles.

The usual food supply is krill, of which each Antarctic fur seal eats about a ton in a year. Due to the enormous and growing populations of these seals, their food is a significant proportion of South Georgia's krill stocks.

Binomial Name:

Name : Arctocephalus gazella
Taxonomist : Peters
Year : 1875
Subspecies : None, or no data available
Synonyms : None, or no data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2008 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 2, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 7th, 2008
Printed: 10.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value:UYP 20

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 35 mm. x 22 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 - MAMMALS - SEALS - SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LION (OTARIA FLAVESCENS)

Animals - Mammals - Seals

South American Fur Seal (Otaria flavescens)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Suborder : Pinnipedia
Family : Otariidae
Subfamily : Otariinae
Genus : Otaria
Species : O. Flavescens

Description:

The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens, formerly Otaria byronia), also called the southern sea lion and the Patagonian sea lion, is a sea lion found on the Chilean, Ecuador, Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Southern Brazilian coasts. It is the only member of the genus Otaria. Its scientific name was subject to controversy, with some taxonomists referring to it as Otaria flavescens and others referring to it as Otaria byronia. The former eventually won out, although that may still be overturned. Locally, it is known by several names, most commonly lobo marino (sea wolf) and león marino (sea lion).

The South American sea lion is perhaps the archetypal sea lion in appearance. Males have a very large head with a well-developed mane, making them the most lionesque of the eared seals. They are twice the weight of females. Both males and females are orange or brown coloured with upturned snouts. Pups are born greyish orange ventrally and black dorsally and moult into a more chocolate colour.

The South American sea lion's size and weight can vary considerably. Adult males can grow over 2.73 m (9 ft) and weigh up to 350 kg (770 lb). Adult females grow up to 1.8–2 m (6–7 ft) and weigh about half the weight of the males, around 150 kg (330 lb). This species is even more sexually dimorphic than the other sea lions.

Binomial Name:

Name : Otaria flavescens
Taxonomist : George Shaw (Bierton - England)
Year : 1800
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Otaria byronia

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2014 – Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 2, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 29th, 2014
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

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

ANIMALS - MAMMALS - SEALS - SOUTH AMERICAN FUR SEAL (ARCTOCEPHALUS AUSTRALIS)

Animals - Mammals - Seals

South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Suborder : Pinnipedia
Family : Otariidae
Subfamily :Arctocephalinae
Genus : Arctocephalus
Species : A. Australis

Description:

The South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) breeds on the coasts of Chile, Peru, and Argentina. The total population is around 250,000.

The population of South American fur seals in 1999 was estimated at 390,000, a drop from a 1987 estimate of 500,000. Although overall species numbers are healthy, the downward trend is causing some concern. Uruguay has the largest numbers of seals along its coast, numbering over 200,000.

The South American fur seal has a dark grey coat of fur. The males of the species are almost entirely this color, though they may have grey or tan, grizzled markings. The females and subadult males have lighter grey or tan coloring on the chest and muzzle, and may have rust-brown or medium grey fur on their undersides. The muzzle is flat-topped and pointed, with a medium-sized nose. The nostrils are forward-facing and the nose extends past the mouth. The ear pinnae are long and prominent, and the vibrissae of adults are creamy white and of relatively short length. Adult males are larger than females, with thicker necks and larger shoulders. Males also develop manes of longer guard hairs on their heads and shoulders. Size of the seals varies based on region, but on average, adult males measure up to 2 m long and weigh 150–200 kg and females measure up to 1.5 m long and weigh 30–60 kg.  Newborns are 60 to 65 cm and 3.5 to 5.5 kg.

The South American fur seal is found on neotropical ocean coasts from the Paracas Peninsula of southern Peru south to Cape Horn on the Pacific coast, and northward to southern Brazil on the Atlantic coast. They are also found on the Falkland Islands, Staten Island, and Escondida Island. A. australis seals prefer rocky shores and islands, particularly those with steep slopes, which provide shady areas where they can escape the heat of the sun. They have been found in sea caves in Peru, where some climb up to 15 m to find a spot to rest. There have been isolated records from continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, and the Gorgona Island (Colombia). Anatomical information for the southern fur seals, Arctocephalus spp., is scant.

Binomial Name:

Name : Arctocephalus australis
Taxonomist : Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann (Uelzen - Germany)
Year : 1783
Subspecies : 2 (Australis, Gracilis)
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2014 – Uruguay - Stamp 1 of 2, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: September 29th, 2014
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

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

ANIMALS - MAMMALS - BATS - COMMON VAMPIRE BAT (DESMODUS ROTUNDUS)

Animals - Mammals - Bats

Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Chiroptera
Family :Phyllostomidae
Subfamily :Desmodontinae
Genus : Desmodus
Species : D. Rotundus

Description:

The Common vampire bat(Desmodus rotundus) is a small, leaf-nosed bat native to the Americas. It is one of three extant species of vampire bat, the other two being the hairy-legged and the white-winged vampire bats. These species are the only known parasitic mammals. The common vampire bat mainly feeds on the blood of livestock, approaching its prey at night while they are sleeping. It uses its razor-sharp teeth to cut open the skin of its hosts and laps up their blood with its long tongue.

The species is highly polygynous, and dominant adult males defend groups of females. It is one of the most social of bat species with a number of cooperative behaviors such as social grooming and food sharing. Because it feeds on livestock and is a carrier of rabies, the common vampire bat is considered a pest. Its conservation status is categorized as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of "its wide distribution, presumed large population tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, and because it is unlikely to be declining at nearly the rate required to qualify for listing in a threatened category."

The common vampire bat is short-haired, with silver-gray fur on its undersides, demarcated from the darker fur on its back. It has a deeply grooved lower lip, and a flat, leaf-shaped nose. A well-developed, clawed thumb on each wing is used to climb onto prey and to assist the animal in take-off. The bat averages about 9 cm (3.5 in) long with a wingspan of 18 cm (7 in). It commonly weighs about 25-40 grams (2 oz), but its weight can drastically increase after a single feeding. The braincase is relatively large, but the snout is reduced to accommodate large incisors and canines.  It has the fewest teeth among bats. The upper incisors lack enamel, which keeps them razor-sharp.

Binomial Name:

Name : Desmodus rotundus
Taxonomist : Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (Étampes - France)
Year : 1810
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2014 – Uruguay - Stamp 2 of 2, from Tourist Sites:Lavalleja Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: November 5th, 2014
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 - MAMMALS - RODENTS - CAPYBARA (HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS)

Animals - Mammals - Rodents

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Subphylum : Vertebrata
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Suborder : Hystricomorpha
Family : Caviidae
Subfamily :Hydrochoerinae
Genus : Hydrochoerus
Species : H. Hydrochaeris

Description:

The Capybara(Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a large rodent of the genus Hydrochoerus of which the only other extant member is the lesser capybara (Hydrochoerus isthmius). The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. Close relatives are guinea pigs and rock cavies, and it is more distantly related to the agouti, chinchillas, and the coypu. Native to South America, the capybara inhabits savannas and dense forests and lives near bodies of water. It is a highly social species and can be found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually lives in groups of 10–20 individuals. The capybara is not a threatened species and is hunted for its meat, hide and also for a grease from its thick fatty skin which is used in the pharmaceutical trade.

Its common name is derived from Tupi ka'apiûara, a complex agglutination of kaá (leaf) + píi (slender) + ú (eat) + ara (a suffix for agent nouns), meaning "one who eats slender leaves", or "grass-eater". The scientific name, both hydrochoerus and hydrochaeris, comes from Greek ὕδωρ (hydor = water) + χοίρος (choiros = pig, hog)

The capybara has a heavy, barrel-shaped body and short head, with reddish-brown fur on the upper part of its body that turns yellowish-brown underneath. Its sweat glands can be found in the surface of the hairy portions of its skin, an unusual trait among rodents. The animal lacks under hair, and guard hair differs little from over hair. Adult capybaras grow to 106 to 134 cm (3.48 to 4.40 ft) in length, stand 50 to 62 cm (20 to 24 in) tall at the withers, and typically weigh 35 to 66 kg (77 to 146 lb), with an average in the Venezuelan llanos of 48.9 kg (108 lb). The top recorded weights are 91 kg (201 lb) for a wild female from Brazil and 73.5 kg (162 lb) for a wild male from Uruguay. Capybaras have slightly webbed feet and vestigial tails. Their hind legs are slightly longer than their forelegs; they have three toes on their rear feet and four toes on their front feet. Their muzzles are blunt, with nostrils, and the eyes and ears are near the top of their heads. Females are slightly heavier than males.

Its karyotypehas 2n = 66 and FN = 102.

Binomial Name:

Name : Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1766
Subspecies : None or not data available
Synonyms : None or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status :Least Concern

Has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. As such they do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (prior to 2001) conservation dependent.

Philatelic Issues

2015 - Uruguay - Stamp 6 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