Falkland Islands 50-PENCE (KM135)

Charles Darwin visited the Falkland Islands in the 19th century, and like the Galapagos he found unique flora and fauna, including the very common Falkland Islands Wolf (aka Falkland Islands Dog, Falkland Islands Fox, Antarctic Wolf). Unfortunately, the Falkland Islands Wolf -- the area's only native land mammal -- became extinct in 1876 after being exterminated by farmers.

The islands were uninhabited when first discovered, but experts believed the presence of the Falkland Islands Wolf meant people had been there long before, and had brought the wolf with them. However, it is just as likely they walked across a land bridge during the last ice age, became isolated, then evolved separately into a unique species.

The wolf first appeared on the larger 30 mm coin (KM4.1), minted from 1980-1992. It was replaced by a slightly smaller coin (KM14.1), which was followed by this version with a different bust on the obverse.

Thank you to Maria for rounding up this wolf and donating it to the Coin Zoo!