Falkland Islands 50-PENCE (KM14.1)¶
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Reverse FALKLAND ISLANDS FOX
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Obverse Queen Elizabeth II
- Composition
- Copper-Nickel
- Country
- Falkland Islands
- Approx. Size
- 30mm
- Area
- South America
- Animal Class
- Mammals
- Species
- Falkland Islands Fox
- KM#
- 14
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 Fox. Unfortunately, the Falkland Islands Fox -- 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 Fox meant people had been there long before, and had brought the fox 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.
Falkland Islands¶
- Area
- South America
The Falkland Islands are located on the continental shelf off the east coast of the tip of South America. There are two main islands, called East Falkland and West Falkland and a bunch of other smaller islands. France, Spain, the UK and Argentina have tussled over ownership of the islands since they were discovered over 400 years ago. Pretty much all of them claimed to have discovered them first. France and Spain dropped out of the ring long ago, leaving the UK in possession and Argentina claiming their sovereignty over the islands.Argentina occupied the islands in 1982, leading to a month long war with the UK before they surrendered. Since the war, British military spending has become a major part of the Falkland Islands economy, along with farming and fishing. As of 2003 the population was less than 3,000 people. Reportedly, most of these people wish to remain British citizens. Many areas of the island are still filled with land mines and ordnance from the Falkland War. If you visit, be sure to pick up a free map from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) office in Stanley, West Falkland, detailing where not to step.
