On the 20 November, 2013, The Ross Dependency issues its annual definitive issue. This issue contains five values for use on mail posted at Scott Base and the surrounding area. Of course many of these stamps are never used for mail, instead being sold to collectors all over the world.
I always look forward to the annual Ross Dependency definitive issue because they are usually colourful, interesting stamps. I have touched on these Ross Dependency stamps a number of times in this blog but one day I plan to put them all together into one big collection.
The theme for this issue was the Antarctic food web. The five stamps featured five very different creatures who depended on each other in someway for their survival. New Zealand has done and is continuing to study the life in Antarctica and in the Ross Sea. This work highlights just how finely balanced the food chain in this environments is. It is hoped this research will lead to a greater understanding of the Ross Dependency and Ross Sea but also a greater appreciation of the natural balance of the world we live in.
70c - Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) $1.40 - Lesser Snow Petrel (Pagodroma nivea)
$1.90 - Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) $2.40 - Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophaga)
$2.90 - Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
First Day Covers.
Two First Day Covers featuring all five stamps and the miniature sheet. I like the design of these covers showing an undersea theme. I also like a cancellation strike too featuring the base creature of the Antarctic food web, the humble Krill.
