PALAU ~WWF Whales ~

WooW!! I'm smiling from ear to ear!!^__^ Amazing new set of whale cards for my collection...
Thanks so much Joey!!

Complete Set 4 maxicards Palau 1983 OCEANIA Marine Life Whale WWF Ocean Maximum.

The WWF stamp collection is the largest thematic collection in the world. Since 1983, some 1,750 different stamps — all produced by Groth AG of Unteraegeri (Switzerland) — have been issued in 211 countries. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps have helped fund a range of activities — from the conservation of endangered species to helping forest and coastal-dwelling communities improve their standards of living through sustainable use of their natural resources. Each year, up to 18 different countries have issued stamps featuring their own threatened animals.

FIN WHALE The fin whale is second in size to the blue whale measuring between 70 and 80 feet. For years fin whales outraced whalers at speeds of 40km per hour, or 20 knots.

GREAT SPERM WHALE The largest of the toothed whales, sperm whales grow to lengths of 60 feet or more. The profile of the great sperm whale is universally known because of the description of the "great white whale" in Moby Dick. Its enormous head and blunt snout with its low slung jaw have come to symbolise all of the great whales.

HUMPBACK WHALE The most characteristic features of the humpback whale are its enormous flippers, which stretch to almost one third of the animal's body length. The humpback is one of the most acrobatic of the great whales and has been observed leaping from the water in nearly 40 consecutive bursts of "joy". Scientists have also recorded patterens of humpback vocalisations which they have likened to birdsong.

BLUE WHALE The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived. This long and streamlined whale, measuring between 80 and 100 feet, and weighing up to 170 tonnes, used to be found worldwide. Having been hunted to near extinction, it is now universally protected.