Andorra:Europa - Almesquera (Pyrenean Desman)

On 15 May 2021 La Poste (France) issued Andorra's contribution to EUROPA 2021's theme on Endangered National Wildlife featuring the Trumpet Rat.

Issue Description
The Trumpet Rat, or Desman of the Pyrenees, (Galemys Pyrenaicus) is a small mammal of the Talpidae family. It lives in clean, cool and strong waterways, especially with rocky channels.

It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates that it catches between the rocks. Its energy demand is high, which is why it needs preserved rivers that maintain a good flow and a good availability of invertebrates throughout the year.

Good quality riparian vegetation and numerous natural caves on the banks are also needed to find shelter. It is endemic to the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is generally attached to mountain areas, and in some areas of Atlantic climate; it is also found at low altitude.

In most of its range, it has experienced a marked decline in recent decades. Considered to be a critically endangered species, today there are only 2 muskrat outbreaks in Andorra, in the Os and Madriu rivers.

Sheet
The stamp sheet contains 15 (5 × 3) stamps (one design).

EUROPA Series
Other Issues under the EUROPA theme include:

References & Notes
References

Notes