1979 BERMUDA

WWF BERMUDA COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

This World Wildlife Fund First Day Cover commemorates the lizard skink, a member of a family that is found on every continent with the sole exception of Antarctica. This widespread family of small lizards reflects great variation in colour, body structure and living habits. Many skinks, for example, spend the better part of their lives underground and thus have adapted for burrowing. Their limbs are small, and in some species non-existent, and their eyes are protected by a transparent plate. Other species are tree climbers and still others, like the lizard skink, seek protection under rocks or burrow among moist leaves.

 Issued by Bermuda, where this cover was postmarked with the first day of issue cancellation, this stamp depocts a lizard skink resting in leafy matter. The original cover design clearly shows the skink's fore-shortened limbs and the extreme length of its tail. To help them burrow, skinks have developed long, strong tails. Legless species also use their tails for locomotion on the surface.

 The lizard skink is a member of the genus Eumeces. Females of this genus have the unusual habit of remaining with their eggs after they are laid. The reason for this is a matter of some conjecture, for there is no evidence that the females actually incubate the eggs. Their function may be protective, and it is known that the females will periodically turn the eggs, a practice believed to help prevent them from rotting in their moist enviromment. Females of one species of this gemus have actually been observed licking their young to clean them after they have hatched.

 All skinks share one charecteristic very important for their survival. They have the ability to shed their tails, so they can make their escape, should a predator grasp them from behind.