animal welfare - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2008 - 65 Euro Cent

The kingfisher inhabits large parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa. He lives mainly in slow-flowing or stagnant waters, which have a corresponding small fish population. In recent years, the population of kingfishers has gradually increased again - the species is decimated in Europe, but fortunately classified as "little threatened" throughout its range. Interesting: In the 19th century, the feathers of the kingfisher were considered Modegag - especially extravagant women's hats were decorated with it. Thousands of birds were once killed to produce colorful, artificial flies for anglers. The European tree frog belongs to an almost world-wide animal family, which counts with more than 800 different kinds to the most form-rich within the amphibians. With the draining of fens and waters as well as the straightening of numerous rivers and streams, however, already in the first half of the 20th century the large-scale loss of many suitable habitats began. By the way: As a "popular figure" among the population, the tree frog fulfills important criteria of a so-called "Leitart", which is supported on behalf of entire communities with similar claims.