The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) is releasing twelve new colourful postage stamps as part of its Endangered Species series.

The stamps are issued in collaboration with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This year’s collection highlights species native to the Central and South American and Caribbean region.

“The South and Central America and Caribbean region is rich in biodiversity. It is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and remarkable wild species,” said CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero.

“These new stamps from the United Nations Postal Administration will help to raise awareness of the region’s many endangered animals and plants and highlight the need to ensure that trade in these species is legal, traceable, and sustainable.”

A mix of mammals, plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects are represented.

Some of the species are included in Appendix II of CITES, which uses a rigorous system of trade permits to ensure that trade in such species remains legal and sustainable.

Others are listed on Appendix I, which bans or highly restricts trade in such species, considered to be threatened by extinction.

The US$1.30 stamps feature the Andean condor, jaguar, pygmy three-toed sloth, and keel-billed toucan.

The CHF 1,50 stamps feature the Staghorn coral, manta de monk, polkadot poison frog, and Grenadines clawed gecko.

The € 1,00 stamps feature the Satanas beetle, night-blooming cereus, Cedar trees, and the barbwire apple-cactus.

The stamps were illustrated by Fernando Correia, a professional scientific illustrator from Portugal.

In addition to the stamps, three postcards, a limited-edition silk cover, and a beautifully designed Endangered Species folder, detailing more information about these species will be released.

The stamps are available online at www.unstamps.org and in-person from shops at the UN headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna where the stamps can be used for mailing.

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The United Nations Postal Administration is in the Facilities & Commercial Activities Service in the Division of Administration of the Department of Operational Support (DOS).

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