Charlottetown 
Canada Post has released new stamps to highlight the plight of two endangered frog species in the country: the Oregon spotted frog and Fowler’s toad.
Credit: Canada Post
These species are featured on the stamps due to their declining numbers, largely attributed to habitat loss from human activities, invasive species, and pollution.
The Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa), found only in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, is known for its swimming efficiency, thanks to the webbing on its hind feet that extends to the tips of its toes. This species is characterized by its brown or reddish-brown coloration with distinctive light-centered black spots.
Fowler’s toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), residing solely along Ontario’s north shore of Lake Erie, is mostly nocturnal and breeds in shallow bodies of water like ponds and marshes. This toad is generally grey to buff-coloured, marked with small dark spots and warts, and has a white or cream belly.
FOR COLLECTORS
Endangered Frogs Stamps (CNW Group/Canada Post)
The stamps were designed by Jocelyne Saulnier of Joce Creative and illustrated by Emily S. Damstra. Lowe-Martin handled the printing. This issue includes 250,000 booklets of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps, 6,000 Official First Day Covers, and 40,000 souvenir sheets. The souvenir sheet’s background features an image of an Oregon spotted frog partially submerged in water.
These collectibles are available for purchase at Canada Post’s website and various postal outlets nationwide. The first day of issue was marked in Port Rowan, Ontario, significant for its proximity to Fowler’s toad’s habitat.
Cost:
Booklet of 10 Permanent™ domestic rate stamps: $9.20
Official First Day Cover (OFDC): $2.84
Endangered Frogs: Souvenir sheet:$1.84
