ANIMALS – INSECTS – LOCUSTS – TUCURA LOCUST (BORELLIA BRUNERI)

Animals - Insects - Locusts

Tucura Locust (Borellia bruneri)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Orthoptera
Suborder : Caelifera
Superfamily :Acridoidea
Family : Acrididae
Genus : Borellia
Species : B. Bruneri

Description:

The Tucura Locust(Borellia bruneri), is a species from the family Acrididae, the predominant family of grasshoppers, comprising some 10,000 of the 11,000 species of the entire suborder Caelifera. The Acrididae are best known because all locusts (swarming grasshoppers) are of the Acrididae. The subfamily Oedipodinae is sometimes classified as a distinct family Oedipodidae in the superfamily Acridoidea. Acrididae grasshoppers are characterized by relatively short and stout antennae, and tympana on the side of the first abdominal segment.

The name Acrididae is derived from Greek akris, meaning locust.

Binomial Name:

Name : Borellia bruneri
Taxonomist : J.A.G. Rehn
Year : 1906
Subspecies : None, or no data available
Synonyms : None, or no data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2013 – Uruguay – Stamp 1 of 4, from Spring Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: August 30th, 2013
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 15

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 – SEABIRDS - RED KNOT (CALIDRIS CANUTUS)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Red Knot (Calidris canutus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiformes
Family :Scolopacidae
Genus : Calidris
Species : C. Canutus

Description:

The Red knot(Calidris canutus) (just knotin Europe) is amedium-sized shorebird which breeds in tundra and the Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia. It is a large member of the Calidris sandpipers, second only to the great knot. Six subspecies are recognised.

Their diet varies according to season; arthropods and larvae are the preferred food items at the breeding grounds, while various hard-shelled molluscs are consumed at other feeding sites at other times. North American breeders migrate to coastal areas in Europe and South America, while the Eurasian populations winter in Africa, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. This species forms enormous flocks when not breeding.

This Red Knot was first described by Linnaeus in the landmark 1758 tenth edition of his Systema Naturae as Tringa canutus. One theory is that it gets its name and species epithet from King Canute, Knot being another form of Canute; the name would refer to the knot's foraging along the tide line and the story of Canute and the tide. Another etymology is that the name is onomatopoeic, based on the bird's grunting call note.

Binomial Name:

Name : Calidris canutus
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : 6 (Roselaari, Rufa, Canutus, Islandica, Rogersi, Piersmai)
Synonyms : Tringa canutus

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

2013 – Uruguay – Stamp 1 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 - RATITES - GREATER RHEA (RHEA AMERICANA)

Animals - Birds - Ratites

Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Subclass : Neornithes
Infraclass : Palaeognathae
Order : Rheiformes
Family :Rheidae
Genus : Rhea
Species : R. Americana

Description:

The Greater rhea(Rhea americana) is a flightless birdfound in eastern South America. Other names for the greater rhea include the grey, common, or American rhea; ñandú (Guaraní); or ema (Portuguese). One of two species in the genus Rhea, in the family Rheidae, the greater rhea is endemic to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It inhabits a variety of open areas, such as grasslands, savanna or grassy wetlands. Weighing 20–27 kilograms (44–60 lb), the greater rhea is the largest bird in South America. In the wild, the greater rhea has a life expectancy of 10.5 years. It is also notable for its reproductive habits, and for the fact that a group has established itself in Germany in recent years. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

The greater rhea derives its scientific name from Rhea, a Greek goddess, and the Latinized form of America. It was originally described by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th-century work, Systema Naturae under the name Struthio camelus americanus. He identified specimens from Sergipe, and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in 1758. They are from the family Rheidae, and the order Struthioniformes, commonly known as ratites. They are joined in this order by emus, ostriches, cassowaries, and kiwis, along with the extinct forms moas, and elephant birds.

The adults have an average weight of 20–27 kg (44–60 lb) and often measure 127 to 140 cm (50 to 55 in) long from beak to tail; they usually stand about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall to the top of the head. The males are generally bigger than the females. Large males can weigh up to 40 kg (88 lb), stand nearly 1.83 m (6.0 ft) tall and measure over 150 cm (59 in) long, although this is rare.

Binomial Name:

Name : Rhea americana
Taxonomist : Carl Linnaeus (Småland - Sweden)
Year : 1758
Subspecies : 5 (Americana, Intermidia, Nobilis, Araneipes, Albescens)
Synonyms : Struthio camelus americanus, Struthio americanus

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

2014 – Uruguay – Unique Stamp, from “Tranqueras” Centenary Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: July 22nd, 2015
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Unique Stamp from Series
Value: UYP 15

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