2003 Endangered Species, 4 stamps

The eleventh installment of the Endangered Species Series was issued April 3, 2003, and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  This issue focuses on endangered species of waterfowl.

Displayed on the euro 0,51 stamps are the Baikal Teal, the Hadada Ibis, the Toco Toucan, and the Egyptian Goose.  The Baikal Teal frequents the waters of northern and eastern Asia.  Excessive hunting and habitat destruction reduced the population to about 40,000 in the 1980s.  The Baikal teal is still considered at risk.  The birds form large, dense flocks, which make them vulnerable to hunting, poisoning, and netting.