Scott No: 3006
Serial number: 2000-3
Values in set: 10
Sheetlet: 1
Date of issue: February 25, 2000
Designers: Huang Huaqiang
Size of stamp: 30*40mm
Size of Sheetlet: 146*213mm
Perforation: 11.5
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

The special stamp set National Key Protected Wildlife (Class I) (I) was issued on February 25, 2000. It consists of ten stamps with a total face value of 20.70 yuan. It was designed by Huang Huaqiang and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The entire set was issued in the form of a miniature sheet, which also includes two bridge labels featuring the sika deer and the Asian elephant. This is the first group in the national first-class protected wildlife series. It showcases China's rare flagship species, popularizes wildlife protection concepts among the public, and opens the issuance chapter of this stamp series.

Wildlife is an indispensable part of the natural ecosystem. Protecting rare and endangered species and maintaining biodiversity are important components of ecological civilization construction. This stamp set features ten representative national first-class protected wild animal species in China, covering birds, mammals, aquatic life, insects, and reptiles, and spanning diverse habitats such as land, rivers, and wetlands. Using realistic painting, it presents the original appearance of these species, raising public awareness of endangered wildlife and conveying the concept of cherishing life and protecting our natural home.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Crested Ibis

The crested ibis is a rare bird endemic to China. It was once on the brink of extinction. After years of in-situ protection and breeding, its population has gradually recovered. The stamp depicts a crested ibis with spread wings resting by the water, reproducing its iconic white plumage and red face, showcasing the elegant posture of this oriental divine bird.

Golden Kaiser-i-Hind

The golden kaiser-i-hind is a rare butterfly endemic to China, known as the "national butterfly" and listed as a national first-class protected insect. The image shows the butterfly resting among flowers and plants. The golden markings on its wings are dazzling and brilliant, fully displaying the agile and gorgeous form of this rare insect and reflecting the unique value of insect species.

Giant Panda

The giant panda is China's national treasure and a world-famous flagship conservation species. The stamp depicts a vivid moment of a giant panda clinging to a tree trunk. Its posture is endearing, with distinctive black and white fur. As a global symbol of wildlife conservation, it carries the significance of international exchange in nature protection.

Brown Eared Pheasant

The brown eared pheasant is a rare bird endemic to North China, found only in certain mountain forest areas. The image shows a brown eared pheasant standing with its head raised and tail feathers flowing. With a red face and black body, its plumage is substantial, making it a representative protected species of China's native birds.

Chinese Sturgeon

The Chinese sturgeon is known as the "King of Fish of the Yangtze River." It is an ancient migratory fish, often called a living fossil in water. The stamp depicts the Chinese sturgeon swimming in the water with its elongated body, reflecting the life journey of this ancient aquatic vertebrate spanning tens of millions of years.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

This is the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, a primate endemic to China, inhabiting high mountain forests. The image presents the lively expression of the golden snub-nosed monkey. Its long golden fur is bright and magnificent, displaying the agility of this mountain forest creature and reflecting the rare life of the alpine forest ecosystem.

Baiji (Yangtze River Dolphin)

The baiji is a freshwater dolphin endemic to the Yangtze River and a flagship species of the Yangtze ecosystem. The stamp depicts the baiji leaping out of the water. Its posture is smooth and graceful. It represents the aquatic mammals of the Yangtze River and warns of the urgency of river ecological protection.

Red-Crowned Crane

The red-crowned crane has been regarded as an auspicious bird of longevity since ancient times, inhabiting wetlands and marshes. In the image, the red-crowned crane stands gracefully, with white plumage and a red crown, an elegant posture. It represents the wetland ecosystem and carries both traditional cultural imagery and wetland protection significance.

Northeast Tiger (Siberian Tiger)

The Northeast tiger is the largest surviving cat species and the top predator of the forest ecosystem. The stamp depicts a majestic and calm facial close-up of a Northeast tiger, with clear fur patterns, fully displaying the majestic presence of the king of beasts and symbolizing the integrity and health of the forest ecosystem.

Chinese Alligator

The Chinese alligator is a rare crocodilian endemic to China, with a survival history of 200 million years. It is an ancient reptile living fossil. The image shows the Chinese alligator lying quietly on the water's edge, with an archaic form, bearing witness to the miracle of life evolution from ancient times to the present.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a realistic scientific illustration style. The forms are rigorous and realistic, the animal shapes are accurate, and the colors reproduce the true appearance of the species. The photogravure printing provides delicate layers, with realistic rendering of fur, scales, and feathers. The ten species are placed together on one miniature sheet, paired with two bridge animal designs. The layout is compact and unified, encompassing rare creatures from both land and water. It combines educational and artistic value and is a classic large set for wildlife-themed philately.