Endangered species – a new stamp of the Polish Post, EUROPA series
The beautiful Eurasian lynx, endangered by extinction, is the subject of Poczta Polska's latest stamp. On Wednesday, April 21, the company introduced another stamp from the EUROPA series. This year's philatelic issue, issued by European postal administrations, focuses on animals facing extinction.
The design's author, Bożydar Grozdew, depicted a Eurasian lynx on the stamp. The graphic design clearly reflects the threat of this species' extinction. In addition to the stamp, Poczta Polska issued a limited edition First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope. It features a sketch of the lynx's natural habitat, the animal's outline, and a map of Europe.
" One of the most important elements of Poczta Polska's mission is education. Today, a unique stamp is being delivered to customers, not only because of its aesthetic and artistic value, but above all because of its subject matter. As part of the "Europa" issue, we are showcasing the Eurasian lynx. This predator is an endangered animal in Poland. And, as experts say, only preserving suitable natural habitats can help this beautiful animal survive. I believe the stamp will appeal not only to philatelists but also to all those concerned about the beauty and diversity of Polish nature, " says Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
The Eurasian lynx has a stocky body, a round head, and ears tipped with tufts of hair. It has a short, black-tipped tail. Its legs are tall, with broad paws, and its toes end in strong claws. Its tawny-brown fur is often spotted. It can weigh up to 30 kg. Lynxes are solitary creatures that mate only during the rutting season (February-March). Cubs are born in May and remain with their mother for almost a year. Adults occupy home ranges of 100-340 km². Lynxes feed primarily on roe deer and red deer, supplementing their diet with small prey such as hares, rodents, and birds.
" The Eurasian lynx inhabits Asia and parts of Europe. In Poland, it is an endangered species listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Animals. Lynx live only in the Carpathians and northeastern part of the country, as well as around the Kampinos Forest. The population of these predators is very small, numbering no more than 150 individuals. Lynx require extensive and dense forest complexes with difficult-to-access refuges that provide them with peace and quiet. Forest fragmentation and an unstable prey base, primarily from roe deer, pose the greatest threats to this species ," emphasizes Prof. Henryk Okarma, a specialist in predatory mammals from the Institute of Nature Conservation of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
This year's issue marks the sixth stamp dedicated to the Eurasian lynx, as part of broader issues including Forest Animals and Wild Animals and Plants. Previous issues were in 1965, 1973, 1976, 2001, and 2002, demonstrating Poczta Polska's consistent approach to promoting the need to maintain the lynx population.
About the stamp:
Designer: Bożydar Grozdew
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.30
Circulation: 171,000 pcs.
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 51 x 39.5 mm
Sales sheet: 9 stamps
Paper: fluorescent
Date of introduction into circulation: April 21, 2021
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and online store: www.filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl