The Tame and The Wild
(17
December 2002)

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enlarge.
Tame animals, namely household pets are actually
descendants of their wild ancestors. Having adapted to an existence
among humans for centuries, these animals have lost their wild
instincts, and have become affectionate pets, although some closely
resemble their wild cousins. Their very existence depends upon man
who takes care of their needs. On the other hand, wild animals have
rather specialized niches in their natural habitats. Being highly
dependent on the ecosystem, their very existence is threatened by
changes in their ever decreasing habitats. They are far less
adaptable than their tame cousins and are likely to die out if
habitat destruction continues.
Domestic Cat (Felis catus)
A descendent of the wild cat, the domestic cat has
for centuries, bee a popular household pet world-wide. Bred into
many different varieties throughout the years by man, unlike dogs,
the domestic cat has not totally lost its wild instincts. It is
still an efficient killer and it uses its keen eyesight at night to
hunt for rats, house shrews, and small birds.
Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis)
Slightly larger than the domestic cat, this wild cat
inhabits forests and mature plantations throughout much of Malaysia.
It is an efficient killer and hunts for small mammals and birds
principally at night. It's beautiful yellowish coat, which is marked
with dark spots, makes it resemble a small leopard. Very aggressive,
it is extremely difficult to tame. It will disappear if its natural
habitat continues to be destroyed.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)
This bird originates from Australia and New Guinea,
where it inhabits tropical rainforests. Its voice consists of harsh
shrieks which is unpleasant to the ear. It is a popular cage bird
because of its wholly white plumage and its erect light yellow
crest. It can be taught to perform a variety of acts, and is very
popular at bird shows in bird parks and zoos in Malaysia.
Buffy Fish-Owl (Ketupa ketupu)
This large owl inhabits forested waterways and
swampy localities throughout much of lowland Malaysia. Its yellowish
underparts with fine dark streaks make it a beautiful bird. It feeds
principally on fish and amphibians which it captures in or near
water. It is still a fairly common bird in rural localities.
Porcupine fish
The porcupine fish belongs to the same family as the
putter fish. It has the ability to expand itself to look much
bigger, in order to ward off protection. The porcupine fish is found
in tropical oceans, often frequenting coral reefs.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Unlike the porcupine fish, the goldfish is a
freshwater species. Since ancient times, the Chinese have bred this
species as an ornamental fish, to be displayed in fish tanks for its
beauty. In Malaysia, it is in many households. The goldfish is
yellowish-orange in colour. However some varieties are all black,
and also white with patches of red.
Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis)
This is among Malaysia's largest squirrels,
inhabiting forests, keeping principally to the canopy and middle
storey. It is an attractive animal with black upper parts and creamy
under parts. It feeds largely on fruit and seeds and will frequently
gather in fruiting fig trees to feed on ripe fruit, often in the
company of fruit-eating birds.
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Although found wild in temperate countries, the
rabbit today is a common household pet. Domestic rabbits come in
various colour, from black, brown, and white to a combination of
colors. It is easy to rear on a diet of fresh vegetables. It is
also reared commercially on a small scale for its meat.
Technical Details
Date of Issue |
17 December 2002 |
Denomination |
30 sen (2 designs), RM1.00 (2
designs) |
Stamp Size |
30mm X 40mm |
Miniature Sheet
Denomination |
RM2.00 |
Miniature Sheet
Size |
105mm X 75mm |
Stamp Size in
Miniature Sheet |
30mm X 40mm |
Perforation |
14 |
Sheet Content |
20 stamps |
Paper |
SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated |
Printing Process |
Lithography |
Source :
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