On December 7, 2018 the State Committee of Information Technology and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic puts into circulation a series of Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamps: “Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan”.
The fauna of our country is very diverse. Many species of wildlife in Kyrgyzstan are rare and in need of protection from the state. A new series of KEP postage stamps is dedicated to four fauna species listed in the Kyrgyz Republic Red Data Book: Marbled polecat, Pallas's cat, Turkestan lynx and Himalayan brown bear.
Marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna) ) is a small mammal belonging to the monotypic genus Vormela within the Mustelinae subfamily. This nocturnal animal hunts jirds, ground squirrels, jerboas and other small animals. Unfortunately, this species is near extinction. Included in the Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan in 1985.
Pallas's cat (Otocolobus manul) is a feline mammal, also known as the Manul. It is a nocturnal predator and leads a secretive life. The Pallas's cat hunts mainly small rodents and birds. In 1985, the Manul, as a specially protected species, was listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan.
Turkestan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus) is a rare subspecies of Eurasian lynx. Mostly the Turkestan lynx lives within forests and subalpine belts, among bushes, rocks and stones. This predator hunts hares, marmots, roe deer, partridges, but does not avoid small rodents and passerines. In highland areas, he hunts wild goats and snowcocks.
Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is a rare subspecies of the brown bear. The main distinguishing feature is the long, light claws on the front paws. In Kyrgyzstan, this animal mainly inhabits mountain regions at altitudes up to 4,000 meters. The Himalayan brown bear is an omnivore and he hibernates in a den during the winter.
Besides the mentioned stamps, KEP also issues 4 postal cards, dedicated to the corresponding fauna species. These cards, together with the new stamps and a special pictorial first day cancellation, were used to make four maximum cards.
Again, KEP expresses special gratitude to the Kyrgyz Wildlife Conservation Society (KWCS), in particular to Mr. Sergey Kulagin, for providing valuable advice in the preparation of this issue of postage stamps.
Kyrgyz Express Post hopes that the new issue of postage stamps will contribute to protecting and preserving the unique fauna of Kyrgyzstan.
