Work on Tristan da Cunha Island by the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI) and Department of Zoology and Entomology to understand and protect their Subantarctic fur seal population has been recognised in an issue of postage stamps.

The "first day cover" for the Tristan da Cunha Biodiversity Stamp Issue Part I includes a stamp depicting a Subantarctic fur seal and also carries the logo of UP in recognition of the project entitled 'Subantarctic Fur Seals at the Tristan da Cunha Islands’, which has been run by the MRI since 2009. The first day cover for Part II of the Tristan da Cunha Biodiversity Stamp Issue also features the UP logo.

A first day cover is a specially designed envelope, bearing newly issued postage stamps which were postmarked on the first day that those stamps were placed on sale by the Post Office, and is a desirable collectors item.

The MRI Tristan da Cunha Subantarctic fur seal project is under the direction of Prof. Marthán Bester, who developed it at the behest of the Tristan da Cunha Conservation Department, and is executed under permit from the Tristan da Cunha Government. The project involves ‘Sealers’ from the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme of Prof. Nico de Bruyn.

The Tristan da Cunha Biodiversity Stamp Issue can be viewed and purchased here.