MADAGASCAR

65 fr Butterflies issue of 1992: this stamp show Alcidis aurora, a stunning moth of the family Uraniidae. Actually native to the island of New Ireland (Papua N.G.), this is a stunningly ornate species whose hues range from pink to metallic green, framed by black. Its iridescence is often visible as it flies in bright sun.

SWAZILAND

25c Southern Ground Hornbill: a conspicuous savannah species, this species has striking red features and dark plumage and lives in social groups of 5-12 birds, which forage together. This issue commemorated the 200th Anniv. of J.J. Audubon.

SENEGAL

1oo fr: this colorful issue of 2000 shows a modern art image and commemorates the new millenium.

SENEGAL

200 fr: a village scene to publicize the struggle against genital mutilation. This practice, common across West Africa, is a serious health risk, though rooted in cultural practices, it has proven stubbornly hard to stamp out. This 2006 issue bravely puts the issue front and center.

SOUTH AFRICA / Afrique du Sud

R2.20: Peach moth (genus Egybolis), one of the most stunning stamps in the delightful South African definitive series entitled "colorful species."

UGANDA / l'Ouganda

1600 Sh. Millenium Development Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases. This series, issued just before 2000, illustrates Uganda's major development hurdles

NAMIBIA / Namibie

Standard mail: Centenary of the War of Anti-colonial Resistance (2004), shows a dove and the colors of the the Namibian flag. Also called the Namibia Patriotic War, this long struggle fought German colonial powers and later South African rule. This stamp has a clear town cancel from Swakopmund.

NIGER

60 fr: Giraffe against the sun, part of the 1981 wild animals of Niger issue. This is one of my favorite stamps ever issued by an African country, and shows the exquisite natural beauty of the continent in rich colors and detail. While fauna such as the giraffe is not as abundant in West Africa as in other parts of its range, important localized populations still exist.

GHANA

73 gp: Ghana Commercial Bank issue showing a stylized map of the world and eagle, this issue promotes international money transfer services and the bank's 50th anniv. (2003)

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. / Rep. Centrafricaine

350 fr: Centenary of the city of Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, 1989 issue. This stamp shows an early depiction of the nascent town, with a French flag flying on the banks of the Oubangi River.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP. / Rep. Centrafricaine

200 fr: Intl. Decade of Potable Water (1987) showing a village pump in a rural area. The UNICEF emblem is showing in the upper right.

GABON

225fr: Poubara Falls, a scenic tourist attraction that lies near a hydroelectric plant on the Mpassa River near Franceville, in the extreme SE of Gabon, near the border with the Republic of Congo.

SAO TOME & PRINCIPE

D80, D100: African Grey Parrot, a widespread native parrot often captured for the cagebird trade throughout its range (1991 fauna issue). Note: I am fortunate to have received these postally used copies from this scarce W. African island nation.

SIERRA LEONE

L3000 a recent issue showing head of a finch, commemorating 60 years of the British Council in Sierra Leone

UGANDA / l'Ouganda

1600 Sh. Karimojong Tribesman in traditional attire and decorated skin pattern from the 2008 Ethnic Uganda issue, bearing the Commonwealth Heads of State symbol. The Karimojong are a pastoral people that live and herd cattle in NE of Uganda, around Mt. Moroto and environs.

IVORY COAST / Cote d'Ivoire

70 fr Mask of the Dan people, who inhabit Liberia and the Ivory Coast. This group is largely agricultural, dedicated to crops such as cocoa, rice and manioc. They are known for their decorative arts, such as this lovely ceremonial mask, used for ritual observance.

GAMBIA / Gambie

D1 Gull and clouds, from a 1999 sheet of 12 showing marine life. This small country relies heavily on fishing, both from the freshwater river at the heart of its territory, as well as from its seacoast.

CONGO (Dem. Rep.) / Congo R.D.C.

25 fr: Gloriosa or Flame Lily and 50 fr: Awarthia cooperi, from a 2001 Issue showing Congolese flora