Transkei
1993
"Fossils: 3rd set of the series"
Issue Date |
18.06.1993 |
ID |
Michel: 303-306
Scott: 287-290 Stanley Gibbons: 301-304
Yvert: 303-306 UPU: N/A
Category: pR |
Author |
Lambert Kriedemann |
Stamps in set |
4 |
Value |
c45 Fabrosaurus
c65 Diictodon
c85 Chasmatosaurus
Ft1,05 Rubidgea |
Size (width x height) |
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Layout |
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Products |
FDC x1 |
Paper |
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Perforation |
14.25 x 14 |
Print Technique |
Ofset |
Printed by |
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Quantity |
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Issuing Authority |
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Fossil bones of extinct reptiles that inhabited southern Africa around
200 million years ago are found in the Karoo rocks of Transkei. This
set of stamps shows reconstructions of four of these prehistoric
vertebrates in their natural habitats, based on the available fossil
evidence.
The Karoo rocks comprise cemented sand and mud originally laid down by
large meandering rivers that flooded their banks and in the process
buried numerous skeletons of ancient reptiles that lived and died on
the flood plains, including dinosaurs. At that time, southern Africa
was part of an enormous continent called Gondwana, which later drifted
apart to form the current continents of the southern hemisphere.
Consequently, similar fossils can be found in India, Antarctica and
South America. The Karoo rocks contain the best fossil record in the
world of the gradual evolution from reptiles through the mammal-like
reptiles to the first mammals, which took place in southern Africa some
200 million years ago.
Fabrosaurus
The fabrosaurus was a small fleet-footed dinosaur that could rear up
and run on its hind legs when frightened. While browsing on the lush
riverside vegetation, they probably stayed close together, alert and
ready to run as soon as the alarm sounded. |
Diictodon
The diictodon was a small, herbivorous, mammal-like reptile with a
tortoise-like beak and two prominent tusks, which were probably only a
sexual characteristic but may have been used to dig up roots. |
Chasmatosaurus
This reptile looked and behaved much like the modern crocodile. With
its long, hooked snout and sharp, pointed teeth it was probably a
sit-and-wait predator that preyed on young reptiles and amphibia as
they drank at water holes. |
Rubidgea
The rubidgea must have been the most fearsome pursue-and-pounce
predator of its time. its powerful jaws had 15 cm long canines with
serrated edges that were used to stab and tear the flesh from its
hapless prey. |
Text: Dr Roger Smith, Department Karoo Palaeontology. South African
Museum, Cape Town. NMB Pnmers
Related stamps:
Transkei 1990 "Fossils" 1st
set of the series
Transkei 1992 "Fossils" 2nd
set of the series
Products
FDC
Massospondylus is on illustration and postmark. This dinosaur became six metres
long and reared up to browse on the young leaves at the top of trees,
using its front legs to steady itself. Several complete skeletons of
Massospondylus have been found in Southern Africa |
Used cover |

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References:
Inside
text of the FDC,
Wikipedia
Latest
update 15.12.2017
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