Tuesday, 7 August, 2007

Australia Post will today release a commemorative stamp issue in support of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) featuring Royalty of the feathered kind - the Royal Penguin which inhabits the region of the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT).

Classified as a ‘vulnerable’ species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this regal-looking bird stands out with its red bill and long yellow plumes that sweep back from its brow. 

The four stamps featuring the Royal Penguin demonstrate four different behaviours characteristic of the species including courting, marching, contesting territory and nesting.

While the Royal Penguin’s habitat is currently under dire threat due to unprecedented land erosion caused by overpopulation of introduced species such as rabbits and rats, these Macquarie Island residents number close to two million at the peak of the breeding season before returning to sea in mid-March.

The stamp issue is the 4th in a series of Australia Post stamps supporting WWF. The WWF Conservation Stamp Collection is the world’s largest thematic stamp collection with over 165 countries having participated to date. Up to 16 stamp sets are issued each year.

Australia Post has been working with WWF since 1998 to raise awareness of endangered species. Previous Australian commemorative stamps include the Endangered Birds issue in 1998, AAT Leopard Seals in 2001 and Whales Down Under in 2006.

“Australia Post is proud to be supporting WWF to assist in highlighting wildlife species at risk,” said Mr Noel Leahy, Group Manager Philatelic, Australia Post. “We hope that these stamps can play a role in raising awareness of the Royal Penguin.”

The AAT Royal Penguins stamps will be available from Tuesday 7 August at participating Australia Post outlets or via mail order on 1800 331 794. Overseas customers can purchase online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps

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High resolution images are available upon request.

For further information, please contact:
Cindy Clark
Australia Post
Philatelic Group
P: + 613 9204 7629
E: cindy.clark@auspost.com.au

Australia Post Stamp Shop:

• Visit the Stamp Shop online for more information on Australia Post stamp issues, books, coins, collectables and souvenirs.