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April 16 2002 - Hawaiian Birds (First in a series).
Four stamps were issued on April 16th 2002 depicting Hawaiian Birds. The 4 stamps show different sub species of the O'o bird - all of which are now extinct. The reasons for extinction include loss of habitat, susceptibility to introduced avian diseases, introduced mammals and competition from introduced birds.
The loss of habitat from forest removal and development in the Hawaiian Islands started when large tracts of mostly lower lying land were cleared for agriculture by the first Hawaiian colonists. In the late 18th century, when European and American settlers arrived, habitat loss increased dramatically as agriculture and ranching expanded. Today, less than 40% of the land surface of Hawai'i is covered with native vegetation. Some of the most significant loss of habitat has occurred below the 2,000 ft elevation, where less than 10% of the native vegetation remains. In addition to direct clearance for agriculture and ranching, native plant communities are further encroached upon by disturbance and competition from introduced plants and animals.
Many biologists believe that the loss of habitat and avian diseases have had the greatest effect on the extinction and/or endangerment of native Hawaiian birds.
The $1 stamp (above left) pays for extra charges, such as additional weight. It shows the Kaua'i O'o (Moho braccatus)
The $2 stamp (second from left) pays for extra charges, such as additional weight. It shows the O'ahu O'o (Moho apicalis)
The $5 stamp (third from left) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows the Moloka'i O'o or Bishop's O'o (Moho bishopi), named by Baron Rothschild after Charles Bishop, the founder of Bishop Museum, Honolulu.
The $8 stamp (above right) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows the Hawai'i O'o (Moho nobilis)
A Booklet consisting of 4 panes containing 2 x $1, 2 x $2, 2 x $5 and 2 x $8 stamps was also issued. Each pane consists of 2 stamps and has a white margin all around. "© 2002 Hawai'i Post" is printed vertically on the lower right side margin & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. is printed on the bottom margin of each pane.
The booklet is stapled twice at the left side. The front cover depicts a male Hawai'i O'o (Moho nobilis). The back cover has a list of the postage rates of Hawai'i Post.
The stamps are based on illustrations in Baron Rothschild's two-volume book "The Avifauna of Laysan. Complete history to date of the birds of the Hawaiian Possessions" published in 1893.
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ON ALL ORDERS
Technical details of the stamps and mini-sheet:
Colors: $1, $2, $5 and $8 stamps - Multicolored
Size: 32mm x 48mm (stamps).
Stamps sheet size: 30 (6 across, 5 down)
Perforation: 12.
Stamps design: Enelani.
Layout & Pre-press: Enelani.
Printer: Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Printing Method: 4-color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) printing process.
Sheet margin markings: HAWAI'I POST (top middle), "Traffic Light" showing 4 colors used in printing (lower left side), © 2002 Hawai'i Post (lower right side) & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (bottom middle)
Paper: GPA coated white stock with water-activated gum on the back.
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