Semi Aquatic Animals
(9
October 2006)

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Semi Aquatic Animal
Several animals have evolved to live a semi aquatic
life, of which their survival depends on their ability to access dry
land and water habitats during different times of the day or during
their life cycle. There are various mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
fish and invertebrates that lead semi aquatic lives. Interestingly,
various terrestrial-dwelling animals depend on water bodies to search
for preferred food such as the Otter civet, or even for reproductive
needs such as frogs.
On the other hand, some water-dwelling animals come
out to land to lay eggs, such as freshwater turtles, or for courtship
or territorial displays, such as that shown by some mudskippers.
Often, these animals have specific physiological or morphological
adaptations that allow them to exploit both the wet and dry
environments for their specific needs.
Natural habitats in Malaysia including mangroves,
freshwater swamps, rivers, mudflats and human modified habitats such
as rice fields provide both vertebrate and invertebrate semi aquatic
animals space and resources for their use. The management and
conservation of these habitats will ensure that the diversity of these
unique semi aquatic animals is maintained.
Mudskipper
Commonly seed on the inter-tidal zone of mudflats,
these fishes are semi aquatic in nature and able to stay out of water
for extended periods of time as long as there is water in their gill
cavities. They are carnivorous and feed on smaller organisms such as
crabs and snails and even small mudskippers.
Hermit Crab
These crabs use the empty shells of other animals to
live in and although semi aquatic in nature, have adapted to a
terrestrial environment, returning to water only for short periods to
lay eggs. In mangrove environments, most of the time hermit crabs are
active at night and they feed on both decaying plants and animals.
Asian Box Turtle
Responding to threatening situations, this semi
aquatic turtle is able to hide its head and limbs completely in its
shell. It is a lowland swamp species and is commonly captured in rice
fields and other human modified wetland habitats. This species eat
both plants and animals and is often caught for food and pet trade.
Otter Civet
Little is known about the ecology of this entirely
dark brown and rare semi-aquatic mammal, apart from the fact that it
very much associated with water compared to other civets. it has been
recorded to occur dwell in both mature and secondary forests and its
diet is known to include aquatic animals.
Common Monitor Lizard
This is one of the largest lizards in the world and
its semi-aquatic nature allows it to inhibit in a wide range of
habitats including mangroves, inland swamps and montane mountain
forests. It is active during the day, feeding on various vertebrates
and invertebrates with crabs and frogs being the preferred food.
Four-Lined Tree Frog
Commonly seen in undisturbed habitats, this frog is
rarely found in primary forests. Semi-aquatic in nature, males can be
seen to fromare known to form calling groups around water
bodieshabitats, attracting females to lay their eggs for them to
fertilize. Adults feed on a variety of invertebrates and insects.
Triangle Keelback Snake
Found mainly in the lowlands, this semi-aquatic snake
has nonetheless being recorded in forests at 1,400 meters elevation.
It has been recorded known to feed on rodents, birds and frogs.
Females of this reptile species are able to lay several clutches of
5-8 eggs per year.
Technical Details
Date of Issue |
9 October 2006 |
Denomination |
30 sen, 50 sen, RM1 |
Stamp Size |
40 mm x 30 mm |
Miniature Sheet
Denomination |
RM1.00 x 4 |
Miniature Sheet
Size |
120 mm x 70 mm |
Stamp Size in
Miniature Sheet |
29 mm x 34 mm |
Perforation |
14 |
Sheet Content |
20 stamps |
Paper |
SPM Watermarked,
Phosphor Coated |
Printing Process |
Lithography |
Source :
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