Cetacean Postage Stamps (D438)

Stamp SN : D438
Stamp Name : Cetacean Postage Stamps
Stamp Cat Standard : Special Stamps
Stamp Cat : Mammals
Issue date : 2002-07-25
Dimension of stamps(mm.) : 40 x 30（mm）
Size of souvenir Sheet (mm.) : 120 x 80 (mm)
Printer : China Color Printing Co., Ltd., R.O.C.
Sheet composition : 20 (5 x 4 )
Print color : Colorful
Process : Deep etch offset
Paper : Phosphorescent stamp paper
Perforation : 11 1/2 x 11
Designer : Hung-tu Ko

Stamp design:
In the eyes of people from developed countries, cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are among the most attractive animals. Apart from listing them as protected animals, westerners have taken drastic measures to prohibit whaling, boycott whale products, and protect whales. In August 1990, the R.O.C. turned over a new page in Taiwan's conservation history, when it listed cetaceans as protected animals. To let our citizens understand more about cetaceans, the Directorate General of Posts is issuing a set of four stamps and a sou-venir sheet on the theme of cetacean. Zoology professor Chou Lien-siang of National Taiwan University has been commissioned to handle planning for the stamps. Cetaceans were once hauled in as catch by Taiwanese fishemien. But during the last decade, the citizens of Taiwan have started to take note of efforts to protect cetaceans, and they no longer ignore or cut up stranded cetaceans. Instead, they rescue them. There is a growing craze of whale watching, which has also helped to instill a love for whales. Topics for individual stamps are briefly described below: (1) Humpback Whale (NT$5) : The best singers and dancers of all whales and dolphins, humpback whales have low-pitched voices that have a magnetic appeal, and their movements are beautiful and elegant. They have set migratory routes and times. In the summer, they feed in the polar areas, and in the winter, they sing their songs, dance their dances, mate and breed in tropic waters. From 1913 to 1981, when Taiwan engaged in whaling, humpback whales accounted for as much as 90% of the catch.T'he Humpback has exceptionally long flippers, which can reach four meters long. The weights of adults can reach 25 to 30 tons. (2) Bottlenose Dolphin (NT$5) : This is one of the most common dolphin species spotted in Taiwan. Bottlenose dolphins are star performers at Sea World and similiar water parks. The males, which weigh 150-250 kilograms, are slightly bigger than the females. Their bodies are dark gray. (3) Killer Whale (NT$10) : The killer whale is the most charismatic of whales and dolphins. Its body colors of jet-black and white make for a strong contrast, so that it really stands out. It is the king of the sea and a skillful hunter. It preys on fish, birds, sea hons, dolphins, and even blue whales. Killer whales live in close-knit family groups and have the longest and most stable family relationships of all whales. The adults weight 7.5 to 10 tons. (4) Risso's Dolphin (NT$25) : This is the most common dolphin species spotted in the eastern shores of Taiwan. It is usually dark gray with extensive white scarring. The scarring may be scratches inflicted by other Risso's dolphins or circular marks from squids. The older they get, the more scarring they will have, especially on their heads, which may appear almost completely white. Adults weight around 300 to 500 kilograms. In July 2000, a Risso's dolphin was stranded on the beach at Tunghsiao in Miaoli County. It was then rescued and given the nickname of Uncle A-tung. After rehabilitation for 64 days, it was released back into the ocean. It is the first successful rehabilitation and release of whales or dolphins in the Asia-pacific region.