The population of peregrine falcons in Eastern Germany collapsed – and possibly disappeared completely – during the 1960s and 1970s, in large part due to the use of pesticides, particularly DDT. The removal of these pesticides and the use of careful reintroduction programmes from the early 1980s have led to the population returning. (This problem wasn’t unique to Germany. Many falcon populations suffered due to chemicals, and the peregrine only came off the Endangered Species List in the US in 1999.)
All that said, this stamp made it in because it’s an eye-catching colour and because the word Wanderfalke is just delightful. All hail the wandering falcon!
Stamp of the Day 