“Biodiversity II” Special Stamps

Located in a subtropical region, Hong Kong enjoys valuable geographical features—mountainous terrain and extensive coastline—and distinct seasons. They together nurture a rich variety of natural habitats, providing homes for a wide range of flora and fauna. Hong Kong’s abundant biodiversity not only stems from its unique natural environment but also relies on the relentless conservation efforts from all walks of life. Following the release of the “Biodiversity” special stamps in 2010, Hongkong Post issues a set of four stamps on the theme of “Biodiversity II” to showcase the city’s distinctive biodiversity, with a view to raising the public’s awareness of ecological conservation and inspiring their collaboration in protecting our natural treasures.

Acknowledgement: Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

$2.40 Stamp – Rhododendron simiarum and Papilio helenus
As spring arrives, Hong Kong’s hillsides are covered in rhododendron blooms. Among them is Rhododendron simiarum, the South China Rhododendron, one of the six species of rhododendrons native to the territory. Known for its colourful flowers and thick leathery leaves, the South China Rhododendron is a protected species mainly found in country parks. Papilio helenus, the Red Helen, is a frequently seen large swallowtail in Hong Kong. These butterflies have wings that are mainly black, with a large white patch on each hindwing. They love visiting flowers for nectar and are often found along forest trails and in urban parks. In springtime, with rhododendrons blooming across the city, a stroll through the sea of flowers reveals the sight of butterflies dancing gracefully in the air.

$4.20 Stamp – Nanhaipotamon hongkongense and Leptogomphus hongkongensis
Named after Hong Kong, Nanhaipotamon hongkongense, commonly known as the Mountain Crab, was first discovered on Hong Kong Island and described as a species new to science in 1940. Mountain Crabs are predominantly reddish-orange with a pair of large pincers. They are typically found in wooded areas close to mountain streams and are more active during wet seasons. Leptogomphus hongkongensis, or the Hong Kong Clubtail—another species named after Hong Kong—also prefers habitats in streams and nearby woodlands.  Belonging to the family of Gomphidae, these dragonflies have black bodies embellished with yellow markings.

$5.70 Stamp – Emberiza aureola
Locally called the Rice Bird, Emberiza aureola (the Yellow-breasted Bunting) was once an abundant species widely distributed across Europe and Asia. Its population has, however, plummeted due to excessive hunting, and it is now classified as a “Critically Endangered” species. In Hong Kong, these birds primarily appear in autumn in farmlands and open country.  The Yellow-breasted Bunting is generally brown in colour with streaks on the flanks and varying degrees of yellowish underparts. In spring, the male develops a breeding plumage with striking contrast—reddish-brown crown and nape, black head, bright yellow underparts, and prominent white wing patch.

$5.80 Stamp – Euploea midamus and Parantica sita
Of the dozen or so species of Danaid butterflies found in Hong Kong, most exhibit the habit of overwintering aggregation.  During winter, they gather in valleys to form spectacular butterfly clusters. One such species that overwinters in Hong Kong is Euploea midamus, or the Blue-spotted Crow. Its wings are predominantly blackish-brown, with purplish-blue scales on the forewings. In contrast, the larger Parantica sita, commonly known as the Chestnut Tiger, is relatively rare; it features pale blue stripes on dark brown wings.

Official first day covers will be put on sale at $2.5 each at all post offices from 16 July 2026. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from 16 to 22 June 2026.

Stamp products include mint stamps, stamp sheets, souvenir sheet, presentation pack, postcards, maximum cards and serviced first day cover. Serviced first day cover and maximum cards will be available at all philatelic offices only.

Date-stamping Arrangements

• A hand-back date-stamping service with the office date-stamp and the special postmarks will be provided on 30 July 2026 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. All philatelic offices will also provide “Philatelic Bureau” pictorial postmark and its respective philatelic office pictorial postmark. The GPO-1 date-stamp impression will only be available at the General Post Office.

• All stamp products will be available at all post offices starting from 30 July 2026 for 3 months while stock lasts.

• All stamp products will be available at Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (website: shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) starting from 30 July 2026 at 8:00 a.m. for 6 months, while stock lasts.