The turtle has received philatelic recognition by the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. A set of 12 and a souvenir sheet hail the "Turtles of the World."
One species, the hawksbill turtle, is shown on four 10-rufiyas stamps. Eight other species are of 3-rufiyas denominations identified by their common English names - the spur-thighed tortoise, the aladabra turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the olive tidley, the leatherback turtle, the green turtle, the Atlantic ridley and another view of the hawksbill. A second portrayal of the green turtle appears on the souvenir sheet.The stamp set is the latest Maldives philatelic tribute to the World Wildlife Fund. Each of the stamps also bears the logo of the WWF - a panda.
There are between 200 and 250 different species of turtles, most of which live in warm and temperate regions of the world. Scientists say the turtles were among the earliest reptiles, going back to the Triassic Age - before the arrival of dinosaurs.
The turtle stamps are available at your local dealer.
- Syd Kronish