2012 45c Endangered Species

UN1042-45 – Endangered Species
Offices in New York

In 2012, the United Nations Postal Administration issued its 20th set of Endangered Species stamps.  Since the series began in 1993, the goal has been to raise awareness of the need to protect endangered species around the globe.

The New York stamps picture the Giant panda, Short-horned chameleon, Oncilla, and Cotton-headed tamarin.  Although the Giant panda is classified as a carnivore (meat eater), about 99% of its diet is made up of bamboo.  A giant panda will spend half its day eating bamboo – up to 30 pounds.  However, bamboo provides the panda with little energy and protein, so the time spent not eating is reserved for rest.  In fact, when female pandas have twins, they will only raise one, because bamboo does not provide enough nutrition to feed both.