Launch of stamps featuring nocturnal animals at Perth Zoo

1/10/97

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes launched a new series of stamps featuring nocturnal animals at Perth Zoo today.

The 'Features of the Night' stamps were launched as part of Australia Post's celebration of October as Stamp Collecting Month.

The stamps feature six nocturnal animals, five mammals and one bird. Two of the species, the Dingo and the Barking Owl are found in Western Australia.

"There is continued pressure on native fauna and many of our threatened native species are nocturnal," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Agencies like CALM and Perth Zoo work together to ensure that zoo-bred threatened species are able to be reintroduced to predator-proof habitats."

Last month the zoo launched its Native Species Breeding Program, which uses leading edge scientific technology to improve the survival chances of nocturnal WA natives like the Chuditch and the Southern Dibbler.

"Australia Post produced some of the most attractive stamps in the world and they helped publicise important community issues like conservation," Mrs Edwardes said.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 9421 7777