The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) was bird of the year in Germany 2013. Although not yet on the threatened list the numbers have declined steadily over the years mainly due to habitat destruction from field drainage and agriculture. Snipe are migratory and breed in marshy areas of northern Europe and northern Asia. Snipe have always been popular as gamebirds and hunting continues within its range. The pictorial postmark cancels the commemorative stamp of Jasmund National Park famous for its massive chalk cliffs but also home to many snipe in the marshes and wetland areas.
