Turtles stamp catalogue

2,069 items

Turtles are reptiles from the order Testudines, recognizable by the bony shield, which protects the back and abdomen. There are 330 known species. Due to trade and consumption, many species have become rare and are therefore often depicted on postage stamps. More

Turtles are all reptiles of the order Testudines. They are recognizable by the bony shield, which protects both the back and the abdomen. The head and legs can often be retracted, so that the animal is safe from enemies. Adult animals have few enemies, the young animals all the more. Turtles are divided into tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. However, their relationships are intertwined. The animals eat both plant and animal food. More than 300 species are known. They occur in all warmer parts of the world. In the Netherlands, only the terrapin (probably wrongly) is considered indigenous. The species has not been seen here for a long time, unlike, for example, the red-eared slider, which is regularly seen. This species is native to North America, but is regularly released by inexperienced, disappointed terrarium keepers, as the animals change from cute little creatures into rather large and overeating 'monsters'. Other enthusiasts appreciate the animals for their edibility. The green turtle owes its name to this. The eggs of some species are also consumed. The trade and consumption of turtles has caused many species to decline in numbers and become rare. For these reasons, turtles (especially sea turtles) are frequently depicted on postage stamps.

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Number of stamps

2,069

Number of related items

Oldest item

George V (1934)