Senegal, 1974 - Crowned Crane

The crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) is a bird of Africa’s wetlands and grasslands, recognized by its golden crown of stiff feathers. Unlike most cranes, it roosts in trees thanks to its long hind toe.

Australia, 1981 - Thylacine

The thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), also known as the Tasmanian tiger, once lived across Australia and New Guinea but survived into modern times only in Tasmania. This 1981 stamp placed it in an “Endangered Species” series, even though the last known thylacine had died in 1936. Hopes lingered for decades, fueled by unconfirmed sightings, until the species was officially declared extinct in 1982.

Mauritania, 1960 - Fennec Foxes

The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda), native to the Sahara Desert, is the smallest fox species in the world but has enormous ears that help it release heat and detect prey underground.

USA, 1972 - Northern Cardinal

The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common passerine bird in North America. Males are bright red and known for their clear, whistling songs.

Yemen, 1990 - Io Moth

The Io moth (Automeris io) is a North American moth famous for the eye-like spots on its hindwings, used to startle predators.

Mongolia, 1985 - Bactrian Camel

The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is a two-humped camel of Central Asia, adapted to the extreme cold and heat of the Gobi Desert.

Cambodia, 1996 - Flat-headed Cat

The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is a small, rare wild cat from Southeast Asia that specializes in catching fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.

Afghanistan, 1996 - Sun Bear

The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), native to Southeast Asia, is the smallest bear species. It has a short coat, long tongue for extracting honey, and a distinctive chest patch.

Guinea-Bissau, 1984 - Orca

The orca (Orcinus orca) is a powerful ocean predator found worldwide. Orcas live in pods with complex social structures and cooperative hunting techniques.

North Korea, 1990 - Ladybug

Ladybugs (family Coccinellidae) are small beetles known for their bright red or orange wings with black spots. They are natural pest controllers, feeding on aphids.

Ajman (UAE), 1969 - African Lion

The African lion (Panthera leo) is the only truly social cat, living in prides where females do most of the hunting while males defend territory against rivals.

Guinea, 1968 - Leopard

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a solitary big cat found across Africa and Asia. Its spotted coat provides camouflage in a wide range of habitats.

Tanzania, 1991 - African Elephant

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest land animal, known for its intelligence, long trunk, and complex social bonds.

Nicaragua, 1982 - Green Iguana

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large arboreal lizard found in Central and South America, often seen basking in trees near rivers.

Pakistan, 1979 - Kalij Pheasant

The Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a forest bird native to the Himalayan foothills and surrounding regions of South Asia. Males are striking during the breeding season, showing bold contrasts of glossy black plumage with white or silver highlights, while females are duller brown for camouflage. These birds forage on the ground for seeds, fruits, and insects, often in pairs or small groups.

Cuba, 1979 - Giant Panda

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of China feeds mostly on bamboo. Once endangered, its numbers have increased thanks to conservation efforts.

Lebanon, 1965 – Golden Oriole

The golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a songbird found across Europe and western Asia, migrating to Africa for the winter. Males are bright golden-yellow with contrasting black wings, while females are greenish-yellow and more camouflaged. Known for their fluting, melodious calls, orioles spend much of their time hidden in treetops, feeding on insects and fruit.

Uganda, 1965 - Ruwenzori Turaco

The Ruwenzori turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) lives in the montane forests of Central Africa. Its striking green and crimson feathers contain rare copper-based pigments not found in most birds.