Falkland Island wolf  (Dusicyon australis)

Description

When Charles Darwin first encountered the Falkland Island wolf in 1833, he noted that its population was already in decline, and predicted that, with the arrival of permanent settlers, its extinction would be assured (2) (3). Sadly, his prediction proved to be accurate, as within the space of just 50 years this remarkable species had entirely disappeared (2).

The Falkland Island wolf was a medium-sized, fox-like canine, with a soft, thick coat, brownish-red on the upperparts with fine white speckling, and pale brown on the underparts. The head was relatively short and broad, with small ears, while the tail was short and bushy, with a distinctive white tip (2).

Darwin Now is the British Council's contribution to the international celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150 year anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species
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