ANIMALS – FISHES – CHARACINS – RED-BELLIED PIRANHA (PYGOCENTRUS NATTERERI)

Animals - Fishes - Catfishes

Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Characiformes
Family : Serrasalmidae
Genus : Pygocentrus
Species : P. Nattereri

Description:

The Red-bellied piranha or Red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is a species of piranha native to South America, found in the Amazon River Basin, coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil, and the basins of the Paraguay and Paraná. They are omnivorous foragers and feed on insects, worms, crustaceans and fish. They are not a migratory species, but do travel to seek out conditions conducive to breeding and spawning during periods of increased rainfall. Red-bellied piranhas often travel in shoals as a predatory defense, but rarely exhibit group hunting behavior. Acoustic communication is common, and is sometimes exhibited along with aggressive behaviors. At this time, the red-bellied piranha is not considered to be a threatened species by the IUCN, and therefore, there are no conservation strategies in place to target this species. Through media influence, the red-bellied piranha has developed a reputation as a ferocious predator, though this is not actually the case. They are a popular aquarium fish.

The red-bellied piranha belongs to the subfamily Serrasalminae, which is a group of medium to large-sized characids and includes other closely related omnivores such as pacus. They are characterized by deep, lateral compressed bodies and long dorsal fins. Within the subfamily, red-bellied piranhas are classified in the genus Pygocentrus, which is distinguished by the unusual dentition and differing head width dimensions. The red-bellied piranha is considered to be highly carnivorous, while most non-piranhas in the family are primarily herbivorous. However, it should be noted that red-bellied piranha is actually omnivorous.

The red-bellied piranha has a popular reputation as a ferocious predator, despite being primarily a scavenger. As their name suggests, red-bellied piranhas have a reddish tinge to the belly when fully grown, although juveniles are a silver color with darker spots. The rest of the body is often gray with silver-flecked scales. Sometimes, blackish spots appear behind the gills and the anal fin is usually black at the base. The pectoral and pelvic fins may vary from red to orange. Females can be distinguished from males by the slightly deeper red color of their bellies.

The largest measured individuals were around 50 centimetres (20 in) in length and weighed around 3.9 kilograms (8.6 lb).

Binomial Name:

Name : Pygocentrus nattereri
Taxonomist : Rudolf Kner (Linz - Austria)
Year : 1858
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Serrasalmus nattereri

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2005 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 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 – CHARACINS – TIGER FISH (HOPLIAS MALABARICUS)

Animals - Fishes - Catfishes

Tiger Fish (Hoplias malabaricus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Characiformes
Family : Erythrinidae
Genus : Hoplias
Species : H. Malabaricus

Description:

Hoplias malabaricus, also known as the Wolf Fish, Tiger Fish or Trahira, is a predatory Central and South American freshwater ray finned fish of the Characin family Erythrinidae.

The maximum length for this species is 55 cm and the maximum weight is 7.97 kg.

Like other members of the genus Hoplias this species has a cylindrical body shape with a large mouth equipped with prominent teeth. The dog-like teeth have given it some of its common names. Coloration is highly variable but is usually grey-brown with darker vertical stripes or a single horizontal stripe.

Found in most river systems in the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Occurs in a wide range of freshwater habitats from clear, fast flowing, upland streams, to the slow turbid lowland waters, canals, irrigation and drainage ditches, and ponds and other still waters. Spends the daylight hours resting in vegetation and is most active during the night. Adults are ambush predators of fish; while juveniles prey consists of crustacean and other invertebrate prey. This species spawns in pits located in shallow water and the males guard the nests even after the eggs have hatched.

Binomial Name:

Name : Hoplias malabaricus
Taxonomist : Marcus Elieser Bloch (Ansbach - Germany)
Year : 1794
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2005 – Uruguay – Stamp 3 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 – 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 cm to 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 species is 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 – CATFISHES – TOAD CATFISH (RHAMDIA QUELEN)

Animals - Fishes - Catfishes

Toad Catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Actinopterygii
Order : Sluriformes
Family : Heptapteridae
Genus : Rhamdia
Species : R. Quelen

Description:

The Toad Catfish, Black catfish or Jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) is a species of fish in Heptapteridae family. It is endemic to central Argentina, southeastern Brazil and Uruguay.

It has wide body, low, without scales, depressed head, small eyes, wide mouth of jaws, no teeth; no thorn in the fins, strong dorsal fin and short radios. Maxillary barbels have sensory function.

The male reaches 35 cm and published maximum weight was 4.02 kg

It is a benthopelagic fish, freshwater; with a range of depth between 0-3 m; tropical climates. It has little commercial value.

It is found in Central and South America, from Mexico to central Argentina.

Binomial Name:

Name : Rhamdia quelen
Taxonomist : Jean René Constant Quoy (Maillé - France) & Joseph Paul Gaimard (Saint-Zacharie - France)
Year : 1824
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Rhamdella gilli, Rhamdia gilli

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2005 – Uruguay – Stamp 1 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

CELEBRATIONS – CARNIVAL – URUGUAYAN CARNIVAL

Celebrations - Carnival

Uruguayan Carnival

Characteristics:

Cultural Origins : African, European
Typical Instruments : Candombe Drums

Subgenres :
Candombe Beat, Murga, Comparsa, Revista, Candombe

Description:

Uruguayan Carnival is a popular festival that takes place every year in Uruguay from mid January to late February.

It is related to candombe, Murga and tablados. It has evolved into a dance parade in which different comparsas play the drums and dance to the music at "Desfile Innaugural del Carnaval" and Llamadas parade.

The biggest carnival celebrations are in the capital Montevideo and can last up to 40 days and it involves a series of cultural events such as dance parades in the streets, street stages called "tablados" and an artistic contest in the "Teatro de Verano" (Summer Theatre) in Montevideo.

Origins:

The background to the Uruguayan Carnival come in Europe, where in different contexts, the celebration of the harvest or a religious festival, served as a space for meeting people, creating a space for individual and collective freedom.

Already on Uruguayan soil, in colonial times, the days of Carnival and Christmas and New Year, Montevideans black slaves were covered with bright robes and gaudy and went outside to go to the city walls, whose feet were allowed to sing their songs and perform dances. Some common practices carnival in Europe, bran and flour shed, shed water syringes, throw eggs, oranges, or other objects were imported into Uruguay. The importance of some of these practices by the first inhabitants of the city of Montevideo led to the carnival celebrations.

According to Juan Carlos pattern, it is possible that in 1860, when two sources called "Wells of the King", the "van guerrillas" were disseminated and conform the first carnival practices were built.

Philatelic Issues

2016 – Uruguay – Unique Stamp, from Carnival Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: February 19th, 2016
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Unique Stamp from Series
Value: UYP 20

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 32 mm. x 71 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: Water Activated

ANIMALS – MOLLUSCS – SNAILS – PELSENEERI TROPHON (TROPHON PELSENEERI)

Animals - Molluscs - Snails

Pelseneeri Trophon (Trophon pelseneeri)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Mollusca
Class : Gastropoda
Order : Neogastropoda
Family : Muricidae
Genus : Trophon
Species : T. Pelseneeri

Description:

The Pelseneeri Trophon (Trophon pelseneeri) is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.

Binomial Name:

Name : Trophon pelseneeri
Taxonomist : Edgar Albert Smith (London - England)
Year : 1915
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : Trophon d'Orbignyi

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Molluscs Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 5

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

ANIMALS – MOLLUSCS – SNAILS – RIBBON CONE (CONUS LEMNISCATUS)

Animals - Molluscs - Snails

Ribbon Cone (Conus lemniscatus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Mollusca
Class : Gastropoda
Order : Neogastropoda
Family : Conidae
Genus : Conus
Species : C. Lemniscatus

Description:

Conus lemniscatus, common name the ribbon cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies.

Like all species within the genus Conus, these snails are predatory and venomous. They are capable of "stinging" humans, therefore live ones should be handled carefully or not at all.

The size of an adult shell varies between 20 mm and 65 mm. The shell shows slightly contracted sides. The spire is acuminated with strong growth lines. The body whorl is delicately ridged throughout. The color of the shell is whitish, maculated with chestnut, and with every alternate ridge chestnut-spotted.

This species occurs in the Caribbean Sea and in the Western Atlantic Ocean off Brazil and Argentina.

Binomial Name:

Name : Conus lemniscatus
Taxonomist : Lovell Augustus Reeve (Ludgate Hill - England)
Year : 1849
Subspecies : 2 (Carcellesi, Lemniscatus)
Synonyms : Conus clenchi, Conus sagittatus, Conus sagittiferus, Lamniconus lemniscatus

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 3 of 4, from Molluscs Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 10

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

ANIMALS – MOLLUSCS – SNAILS – DUARTI AMERICOMINELLA (AMERICOMINELLA DUARTI)

Animals - Molluscs - Snails

Duarti Americominella (Americominella duarti)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Mollusca
Class : Gastropoda
Order : Neogastropoda
Family : Buccinoidae
Genus : Americominella
Species : A. Duarti

Description:

The Duarti Americominella (Americominella duarti) is a sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Buccinidae.

It is a deep water species (below 200m in Rio de la Plata), endemic to the Southwest Atlantic and associated with cold water (sub-Antarctic). It stands for the development of a thick organic layer of protective shell that in this species forms a thorn-like structure.

This Species is dedicated to Don Eliseo Duarte (1896-1987), an active promoter of the Malacological Society of Uruguay and contributor to the National Museum of Natural History in Montevideo.

Binomial Name:

Name : Americominella duarti
Taxonomist : Miguel Angel Klappenbach Childe (Dolores - Uruguay) & Elias Humberto Ureta Aramendi (Aiguá - Uruguay)
Year : 1972
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 4, from Molluscs Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 10

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

ANIMALS – MOLLUSCS – OYSTERS – TEHUELCHE SCALLOP (AEQUIPECTEN TEHUELCHUS)

Animals - Molluscs - Oysters

Tehuelche scallop (Aequipecten tehuelchus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Mollusca
Class : Bivalvia
Order : Ostreoida
Suborder : Pectinina
Superfamily : Pectinoidea
Family : Pectinidae
Genus : Aequipecten
Species : A. Tehuelchus

Description:

The Tehuelche scallop (Aequipecten tehuelchus) is a marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae.

This genus is very ancient. It is known in the fossil records from the Triassic to the Quaternary (age range: from 247.2 to 0.0 million years ago). Fossils are found in the marine strata throughout the world.

Binomial Name:

Name : Aequipecten tehuelchus
Taxonomist : Alcide d'Orbigny (Couëron - France)
Year : 1846
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 1 of 4, from Molluscs Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 5

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

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – MARCELLA MARPESIA (MARPESIA MARCELLA)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Marcella marpesia (Marpesia marcella)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Genus : Marpesia
Species : M. Marcella

Description:

The Marcella marpesia (Marpesia marcella) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in the Neotropic ecozone and the Nearctic ecozone.

Binomial Name:

Name : Marpesia marcella
Taxonomist : Baron Cajetan von Felder (Wieden - Austria) and Rudolf Felder (Austria)
Year : 1861
Subspecies : None, or not data available
Synonyms : None, or not data available

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 4 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 20

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

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – CLAUDINA AGRIAS (AGRIAS CLAUDINA)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Claudina Agrias (Agrias claudina)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Genus : Agrias
Species : A. Claudina

Description:

The Claudina Agrias (Agrias claudina) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found from Venezuela and Guyana to Bolivia. The subspecies sardanapalus is found in Ecuador, Brazil and Peru. It is found in primary and secondary rainforest at altitudes between 200 and 600 meters.

The larvae feed on Erythroxylum species. Adults feed on decomposing fruit and rotting fish.

Binomial Name:

Name : Agrias claudina
Taxonomist : Jean-Baptiste Godart (Origny - France)
Year : 1824
Subspecies : 8 (Claudina, Annetta, Sardanapalus, … )
Synonyms : Nymphalis claudina, Papilio claudia, Agrias sahlkei, Agrias claudianus

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 3 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 26th, 2009
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 – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – SUPERB NUMBERWING (CALLICORE EXCELSIOR)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Superb Numberwing (Callicore excelsior)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Genus : Callicore
Species : C. Excelsior

Description:

The Superb Numberwing or Excelsior Eighty-eight (Callicore excelsior) is a species of butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia.

Adults are black on the upper surface of the wings, with a metallic deep blue sheen on the hindwings, and a broad arc of orange or red on the forewings.

Binomial Name:

Name : Callicore excelsior
Taxonomist : William Chapman Hewitson (Newcastle upon Tyne - England)
Year : 1858
Subspecies : 12 (Excelsior, Inferior, Pastazza, … )
Synonyms : Many (Catagramma excelsior, ... )

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 2 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 26th, 2009
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 10

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

ANIMALS – INSECTS – BUTTERFLIES – BLUE-WINGED EUYRBIA (EURYBIA LYCISCA)

Animals - Insects - Butterflies

Blue-winged Euyrbia (Eurybia lycisca)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Riodinidae
Genus : Eurybia
Species : E. Lycisca

Description:

The Blue-winged Euyrbia (Eurybia lycisca) is a butterfly of the Riodinidae family. It is found in from Mexico to Ecuador, including some Caribbean Islands.

Larvae feen on Calathea lutea, C. crotalifera, C. inocephala, C. latifolia, C. warsczewisczia, and Ischnosiphon pruniosus.

Binomial Name:

Name : Eurybia lycisca
Taxonomist : John Obadiah Westwood (Sheffield - England)
Year : 1851
Subspecies : None, or no data available
Synonyms : Eurybia lamia, Eurybia lamia lamia, Eurybia caerulescens palikourea

Conservation Status by IUCN:

Status : Not Evaluated, or not data available

Philatelic Issues

2007 – Uruguay – Stamp 1 of 4, from Butterflies Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: October 26th, 2007
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 4 Stamps
Value: UYP 5

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 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 – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – PLUSH-CRESTED JAY (CYANOCORAX CHRYSOPS)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Plush-crested jay (Cyanocorax chrysops)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Corvidae
Genus : Cyanocorax
Species : C. Chrysops

Description:

The Plush-crested jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) is a jay of the family Corvidae (which includes the crows and their many allies). It is found in central-southern South America: in southwestern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina, including southern regions of the Amazon Basin river systems bordering the Pantanal.

This is an elegant medium-sized bird, dark plumaged with a cream-yellow breast; the bulky tail is also cream colored, top and underneath, for the lower half.

The range of the plush-crested jay extends from the Southern Region, Brazil with Uruguay and approaches the South Atlantic coast, but avoids the coast, approximating a 400 to 150 km coastal strip; the coastal-inland range extends 3500 km from São Paulo south to Rio Grande do Sul bordering Uruguay. The inland range continues in northwestern Uruguay and extends northwest through northern Argentina, Paraguay–Bolivia, and through the pantanal at the southern cerrado; the range extends in two arms, to the northwest to northern Bolivia, and northeastwards to headwaters of the Amazon Basin Tapajós River.

In the Amazon Basin, central Bolivia is the northwest range limit, the headwater tributaries to the north-northeast flowing Madeira River; the next range skips the Guaporé River, (a northwest-flowing tributary to the Madeira), eastwards on the Brazil–Bolivia border, and is next found at the headwaters of the Tapajós River, and joins on the east the extreme headwaters of the Xingu River.

A disjunct range occurs downstream on the Tapajós and east towards the Xingu River, a block 850 by 750 kilometres (530 mi × 470 mi). Two other localized populations occur in the Amazon Basin, one on the Amazon River, the other on the downstream Madeira River.

Binomial Name:

Name : Cyanocorax chrysops
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1818
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 Mercosur Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 20th, 2008
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 37

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

ANIMALS – BIRDS – SONGBIRDS – HEPATIC TANAGER (PIRANGA FLAVA)

Animals - Birds - Songbirds

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Cardinalidae
Genus : Piranga
Species : P. Flava

Description:

The Hepatic tanager (Piranga flava) is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). The species's plumage and vocalizations are similar to other members of the cardinal family.

The common name hepatic means "liver-coloured", namely, brownish-red. The specific name flāva is Latin for yellow or golden.

The habits of the hepatic tanager are similar to those of the western tanager. It ranges from the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and locally in southern California and Colorado) to northern Argentina.

Members of the northern group are larger and stockier than other Piranga tanagers and have a relatively short tail and a stout bill. Its brightest color is always on its forehead and throat. In all plumages, it has gray flanks, dusky cheeks, and a dark eye streak. The female is yellow, and the male is red. Its average weight is 38 g (1.3 oz). Its average wingspan is 31.8 cm (12.5 in) and length is 20.3 cm (8.0 in).

Its call is a low, dry chup like the hermit thrush. Its song is clearer than Thraupidae tanagers and far more similar to the song of the black-headed grosbeak, another member of the Cardinalidae. The flight call is a husky and rising weet.

It looks for food in the foliage of trees, moving slowly and methodically; different individuals use different strategies. In summer, the northern form largely eats insects, spiders and some fruit. In Mexico, it has been observed to eat nectar. From Oaxaca south, it follows swarms of army ants.

Binomial Name:

Name : Piranga flava
Taxonomist : Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot (Yvetot - France)
Year : 1822
Subspecies : None, or no data available
Synonyms : Piranga hepatica

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 1 of 2, from Mercosur Series

Issue information:

Country: Uruguay
Date: June 20th, 2008
Printed: 15.000 Copies
Type: Stamp from Series of 2 Stamps
Value: UYP 12

Stamp: Rectangular
Size: 39 mm. x 27 mm.
Perforation: Circular
Gum: 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 seals in 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) long and 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 – BIRDS – SEABIRDS – BROWN SKUA (STERCORARIUS ANTARCTICUS)

Animals - Birds - Seabirds

Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus)

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom : Animalia
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Aves
Order : Charadriiiformes
Family : Stercoriidae
Genus : Stercorarius
Species : S. Antarcticus

Description:

The Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), also known as the Antarctic skua, subantarctic skua, southern great skua, southern skua, or hākoakoa (Māori), is a large seabird that breeds in the subantarctic and Antarctic zones and moves further north when not breeding. Its taxonomy is highly complex and a matter of dispute, with some splitting it into two or three species: Falkland skua (S. antarcticus), Tristan skua (S. hamiltoni), and subantarctic skua (S. lönnbergi). To further confuse, it hybridizes with both the south polar and Chilean skuas, and the entire group has been considered to be a subspecies of the great skua, a species otherwise restricted to the Northern Hemisphere.

It feeds on fish (often via kleptoparasitism), other birds, small mammals, eggs and carrion.

This is the heaviest species of skua and rivals the largest gulls, the great black-backed gull and glaucous gull, as the heaviest species in the shorebird order although not as large in length or wingspan. It is 52–64 cm (20–25 in) in length, 126–160 cm (50–63 in) in wingspan and has a body mass of 1.2–2.18 kg (2.6–4.8 lb). S. a. hamiltoni measured on Gough Island, weighed an average of 1.43 kg (3.2 lb) in 9 males and 1.65 kg (3.6 lb) in 9 females. S. a. lönnbergi measured in the Chatham Islands weighed an average of 1.73 kg (3.8 lb) in 30 males and an average of 1.93 kg (4.3 lb) in 32 females. The latter is the highest colony mean body mass for any living species of shorebird.

Binomial Name:

Name : Stercorarius antarcticus
Taxonomist : René Primevère Lesson (Rochefort - France)
Year : 1831
Subspecies : 3 (Antarticus, Hamiltoni, Ionnbergi)
Synonyms : Catharacta antarctica

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 1 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