Russia:National Endangered Wildlife

Every year, more and more species of plants and animals are registered in the Red List of threatened species of the Russian Federation.

On 20 January 2021, Russian Post issued a stamp as part of the EUROPA 2021 theme to raise awareness on Endangered Wildlife and Biodiversity.

Issue Description
The postage stamp features a female Persian leopard with a cub. The Persian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) is on the list of the Red Book of the Russian Federation and belongs to the first category as an endangered species. Its total global population is within 1,000. It was completely exterminated in Russia but presently, several young predators bred in the Leopard Recovery Centre and were released into the wild in the Caucasus. This is the largest subspecies of leopards.

Presently, several young predators bred in the Leopard Recovery Centre and released into the wild live in the Caucasus. This is the largest subspecies of leopards with a body length from 126 to 171 cm but it can reach 183 cm and the tail length from 94 to 116 cm. The weight of a male on the average is about 70 kg, but a large individual can weigh more than 90 kg; females normally weigh 40 to 50 kg.

The Persian leopard exhibits two types of coloration, which is determined by the basic tint of the coat. The general colour of the coat is greyish-ocher with a reddish shade; depending on the type, it will be either light or dark. Rosette-like spots on the animal coat are formed by 3 to 5 small spots and ensure a good disguise. The pattern formed by these spots is unique: there are no two leopards with identical rosettes.

Stamps
The postage stamp features a female Persian leopard with a cub.

Sheet
The sheet with formatted margins contains 12 (3×4) stamps (one design).

First Day Cover
This First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the stamp from the issue affixed and postmarked. First Day Cover size 114 x.

Maximum Card
This Maxicard is a pictorial postcard with the stamp from the issue affixed and postmarked. Maxicard size 105 x.

EUROPA Series
Other Issues under the EUROPA theme include: