Romfilatelia continues the series of issues dedicated to Fauna, much appreciated by collectors, introducing into circulation the Crocodiles postage stamps issue. The animals commonly called crocodiles are predatory, semi-aquatic reptiles, belonging to a group called the Order Crocodilia or crocodilians. The issue shows four crocodile species like the American alligator, the Caiman, the Gharial, and the Cuban crocodile.
The first stamp features the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). This species lives in North America, from the south-eastern United States to Mexico. Adults have an olive, brownish or black back and a yellowish abdomen, while babies are black with yellow stripes.
The Caiman (Caiman yacare) is illustrated on the second stamp. This species is widespread in South America, where it is endemic to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia. It is brown with darker spots. Males reach 2-3 meters in length, while females are much smaller, reaching only 1.4 meters.
The third stamp represents the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). It is a rare, protected species that lives in several rivers in India and Nepal. The adults have an olive colour; the babies have a camouflage colour, with spots and stripes. Adult females are 2.5-4.5 meters long, but males reach 3-6 meters, being among the longest crocodiles at present.
On the fourth stamp is illustrated the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer). The species is endemic to Cuba. It is a medium-sized animal, reaching an average length of 2-2.5 m (males sometimes reaching up to 3.5 m) and weighing 70-80 kg. It is considered the smartest of present-day crocodiles.
See also other fauna stamps.
