"bank. Farmland accounts for a little over 80% of the Falklands land area and a sheep appears on the islands' coat of arms, but agriculture is now less than 2% of the economy. 670,000 sheep resided on the islands; a 2011 report estimated the sheep population at over one million. Roughly 40% of the national flock are on West Falkland and 60% on East Falkland. The base flock are Corriedale and Polwarth breeds with Dohne Merino, South African Meat Merinos, Afrinos and other breeds having been introduced to improve the fineness of wool and meat characteristics. The wool price suffered"
"Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands The coat of arms of the Falkland Islands was granted to the Falkland Islands on 29 September 1948. It consists of a shield containing a ram on tussock grass in the field with a sailing ship underneath and the motto of the Falklands (""Desire the Right"") below. The ship represents the ""Desire"", the vessel in which the English sea-captain John Davis is reputed to have discovered the Falkland Islands in 1592; the motto, ""Desire the Right"", also refers to the ship's name. The ram represents sheep farming, which until recently was the principal"
"strait include hooded grebe (""Podiceps gallardoi""), Magellanic plover (""Pluvianellus socialis""), chocolate-vented tyrant (""Neoxolmis rufiventris""), white-bridled finch (""Melanodera melanodera""), short-billed miner (""Geositta antarctica""), ruddy-headed goose (""Chloephaga rubidiceps"") and striated caracara (""Phalcoboenus australis""). The striated caracara (""Phalcoboenus australis"") and blackish cinclodes (""Cinclodes antarcticus"") are found in Tierra del Fuego. Endemic birds in the Falklands are the Falkland steamer duck (""Tachyeres brachypterus"") and Cobb's wren (""Troglodytes cobbi""). The Falklands are also important for seabirds such as gentoo penguin (""Pygoscelis papua""). The World Wildlife Fund gives the ecoregion a status of ""Vulnerable"". Few people live in the ecoregion. However, grazing livestock and introduced animals"
"economic activity of the islands, and the tussock grass shows the most notable native vegetation. Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands The coat of arms of the Falkland Islands was granted to the Falkland Islands on 29 September 1948. It consists of a shield containing a ram on tussock grass in the field with a sailing ship underneath and the motto of the Falklands (""Desire the Right"") below. The ship represents the ""Desire"", the vessel in which the English sea-captain John Davis is reputed to have discovered the Falkland Islands in 1592; the motto, ""Desire the Right"", also refers"
"the early British settlers to the islands, including Richard Moody, in the 1840s) in Falkland Sound, overlooked by a bullock (representing wild cattle which once roamed the islands). A new coat-of-arms for the islands was introduced on 16 October 1925, consisting of the ""Desire"" (which was captained by John Davis who is reputed to have discovered the islands in 1592) and a sea lion in a shield surrounded by the motto of the islands, ""Desire the Right"". This coat-of-arms later replaced the image of the bullock and ship on the flag. On 29 September 1948 the flag was updated to"
"Flag of the Falkland Islands The current flag of the Falkland Islands was adopted on 25 January 1999 and consists of a defaced Blue Ensign, with the Union Flag in the canton and the Falkland Islands coat-of-arms in the fly. The Falkland Islands have been claimed and occupied by several nations throughout its history, who generally used their national flags on the islands. It wasn't until 1876 that the islands were given a flag of their own, which consisted of a Blue Ensign defaced with the seal of the islands - an image of HMS ""Hebe"" (which brought many of"
"form to the island by Royal Air Force helicopters and has proved to be a success. It is used by tourists and, since 1996, scientific researchers.. Since 2017 the Lodge and island has been under the lease of Wild Falkland Ltd. There is a memorial to HMS ""Sheffield"" on Bull Hill in the south of the island. Some 56 species of flowering plants have been recorded, including the Fuegian violet which, in the Falklands, is found nowhere else. The island is known for its marine mammals, including breeding colonies of southern sea lions and southern elephant seals, for which the"
"Falkland Islands wolf The Falkland Islands wolf (""Dusicyon australis""), also known as the warrah ( or ) and occasionally as the Falkland Islands dog, Falkland Islands fox, or Antarctic wolf, was the only native land mammal of the Falkland Islands. This endemic canid became extinct in 1876, the first known canid to have become extinct in historical times. It was the only modern species in the genus ""Dusicyon"". Traditionally it had been supposed that the most closely related genus was ""Lycalopex"", including the culpeo, which has been introduced to the Falkland Islands in modern times. However, in 2009, a cladistic"
"63 species breed on the islands, including 16 endemic species. There is also abundant arthropod diversity on the islands. The Falklands' flora consists of 163 native vascular species. The islands' only native terrestrial mammal, the warrah, was hunted to extinction by European settlers. The islands are frequented by marine mammals, such as the southern elephant seal and the South American fur seal, and various types of cetaceans; offshore islands house the rare striated caracara. There are also five different penguin species and a few of the largest albatross colonies on the planet. Endemic fish around the islands are primarily from"
"and corresponding colours. On the front side, all notes contain a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the Falklands' coat of arms, a small map of the islands, and images of two of the islands' main animals: penguins and sea lions. On the back, notes feature pictures of Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley and Government House, the official residence of the Governor of the Falkland Islands. Banknotes are printed by De la Rue plc on behalf of the Falkland Island Commissioners of Currency. In 2010 an order was placed for the printing of 200,000 £10 banknotes and for 200,000 £20 banknotes"
"conservation significance include Falkland steamer ducks (600 breeding pairs), ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic penguins (10,000 pairs), southern giant petrels (1000 pairs), sooty shearwaters, striated caracaras, dolphin gulls (500 pairs), blackish cinclodes, Cobb's wrens and white-bridled finches. Speedwell Island Speedwell Island (formerly Eagle Island; Spanish ""Isla Águila"") is one of the Falkland Islands, lying in the Falkland Sound, southwest of Lafonia, East Falkland. The island has an area of . It is about from north to south and wide at its central part. It is generally low-lying and has been used as a sheep farm for more than a hundred years. It"
"on East Falkland. During the Falklands War, on 1 May 1982, ""Islas Malvinas GC82"", an Argentine Z-28 type naval patrol boat was damaged near the island by a Westland Lynx HAS.Mk.2/3 helicopter from HMS ""Alacrity"". The helicopter was also badly hit by return fire from the Argentine armed coaster ARA ""Forrest"". Kidney Island, together with the nearby and much smaller Cochon Island, has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Birds for which the site is of conservation significance include Falkland steamer ducks (15 breeding pairs), southern rockhopper penguins (500 pairs), Magellanic penguins, white-chinned petrels (1000"
"although imported stock would have to be used as it was impractical to raise sufficient numbers on the islands. A small number of sizeable plots exist, but they are largely confined to sites near houses and gardens. Wildlife of the Falkland Islands The wildlife of the Falkland Islands is quite similar to that of Patagonia. The Falkland Islands have no native reptiles or amphibians, and the only native land mammal, the warrah, is now extinct. However, a large number of bird species have been seen around the islands, and many of them breed on the smaller islands of the archipelago."
"Wildlife of the Falkland Islands The wildlife of the Falkland Islands is quite similar to that of Patagonia. The Falkland Islands have no native reptiles or amphibians, and the only native land mammal, the warrah, is now extinct. However, a large number of bird species have been seen around the islands, and many of them breed on the smaller islands of the archipelago. Insects play a large role in the ecosystem of the islands, and over 200 species have been recorded. The waters around the Falkland Islands sustain many animals, including a large number of marine mammals. Three pinniped species"
"years. Every autumn, Búnaðarstovan(Office for Agriculture) has showings where rams and young potential breeding males are on show. These take place out in the various districts and villages. Faroe sheep The Faroese sheep is a breed of sheep native to the Faroe Islands. First introduced in the 9th century, Faroese sheep have long been an integral part of the island traditions. The name ""Faeroe"" itself is thought to mean ""sheep islands"", and the animal is depicted on the Faroe Islands' historic coat of arms. One of the Northern European short-tailed sheep, it is a small, very hardy breed. Faroes ewes"
"The supporters are silver foxes, rare animals native to the region; fur farming was perfected on Prince Edward Island, and Island silver fox fur was prized. The fox also represents sagacity and wit. To denote other Island industries, one fox wears a garland of potato blossoms, and another one wears a length of fishing net. The compartment centres on a Mi'kmaq eight-pointed star symbol representing the sun; this is surrounded by roses for England, lilies for France, thistles for Scotland, and shamrocks for Ireland, as well as Lady's Slippers, the floral emblem of the island. The island's motto, ""Parva sub"
"the islands, making up over 80% of the global black-browed albatross population. This is the only breeding species of albatross, although nine others have been recorded. Many species of petrel also nest on the Falklands. Most remaining bird colonies exist on remote offshore islands. Inland, upland and ruddy-headed geese live near small freshwater ponds, along with silver teal, Chiloé wigeon, and white-tufted grebe. There are six species of herons and egrets that have been recorded, although only the black-crowned night heron is known to breed in the area. There are no native reptiles or amphibians on the islands. Over 200"
"and roam through the islands, often close to human settlements. The population in the Falklands is estimated at 500 breeding pairs. Juveniles and indeed, adults, are almost entirely fearless of humans and treat their approach with indifference. Over time, conflict with the sheep farmers has led to a great reduction in their numbers. This is now being corrected by the Falkland Islanders. Striated caracara The striated caracara (""Phalcoboenus australis"") is a bird of prey of the family Falconidae. In the Falkland Islands it is known as the Johnny rook. The adults' plumage is almost black in colour, while the legs"
"plays an important part in the lives of the islanders, both in terms of the fishing industry, and the huge tourist trade. The Union Jack reflects the country's links with the United Kingdom. The shield is derived from the country's coat of arms, which was granted by Royal Warrant in 1908. It is a white shield with a red cross and a red chief (upper third of a shield). The images depicted on the shield represent agricultural activities on the islands, and the historical associations with the United Kingdom. At the top of the shield, a British lion holds a"
"the genus ""Galaxias"". The Falklands are treeless and have a wind-resistant vegetation predominantly composed of a variety of dwarf shrubs. Virtually the entire land area of the islands is used as pasture for sheep. Introduced species include reindeer, hares, rabbits, Patagonian foxes, brown rats and cats. Several of these species have harmed native flora and fauna, so the government has tried to contain, remove or exterminate foxes, rabbits and rats. Endemic land animals have been the most affected by introduced species. The extent of human impact on the Falklands is unclear, since there is little long-term data on habitat change."
"Islands are a result of 1,200 years of isolated breeding. As a result, many of the islands' domestic animals are found nowhere else in the world. Faroese domestic breeds include Faroe pony, Faroe cow, Faroe sheep, Faroese goose, and Faroese duck. The Faroese government holds executive power in local government affairs. The head of the government is called the ""Løgmaður"" (""Law person"") and serves as a premier. Any other member of the cabinet is called a ""landsstýrismaður"" (""national committee man"") or ""landsstýriskvinna"" (""national committee woman""). The Faroese parliament – the ""Løgting"" (""Law assembly"") – dates back to Viking times and"
"found that Mount Adam was higher. At this, the Argentines transferred the name ""Monte Independencia"" from Mount Robinson to Mount Adam. The major industry on the island is sheep farming, while it is also known for its penguin and cormorant colonies. Fishing is also popular in the two main rivers, the Warrah and the Chartres. In the 19th century as today, indigenous land fauna was very scanty. A small wolf, the warrah, the ""loup-renard"" of Louis Antoine de Bougainville, is extinct, the last having been seen about 1875 on West Falkland. It is commemorated in the name of one of"
"farm. When the British ship ""Viscount"" was wrecked in 1892, the wreckage was used to build the farmhouse. The island was managed as a sheep farm for almost all of the 20th century, but in 1997 all but a small flock of sheep was removed. In 1990, the Clifton family who owned the island, sold it to the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC). They had planted 60,000 stands of tussac grass.. Since then, ecotourism has been the only economic activity. In 1986 FIDC constructed the Sea Lion Lodge, with accommodation for 20 guests. It was prefabricated and flown in kit"
"to sheep farming as the mainstay of Falklands economy, a role currently shared with fishing, tourism and offshore hydrocarbon exploration. Sheep were farmed commercially for wool on the islands from the 1860s. Sheep raising on Weddell Island was established in 1871 by the Williams family who bought the island, and the island’s farm at Weddell Settlement has been permanently populated since then. The small population of the island lives in Weddell Settlement on the east coast, the remainder of the island being run as a sheep farm and wildlands. Sheep numbers have varied greatly under different island owners, between 200"
"teams of wildlife researchers from many different countries. The Trust relies entirely on donations to continue its conservation and research work. The island is largely vegetated with grasses; there are no native trees, though shrubs have been introduced. Wildlife includes Falkland Islands Fur seals and Southern sea lions. There are no native land mammals though the island contains a population of introduced cottontail rabbits (""Sylvilagus sp.""). Resident pods of Peale's dolphins frequent the bays of New Island and Southern Elephant seals are occasionally found here but do not breed. The New Island group has been identified by BirdLife International as"
"well as social status. Cattle feature in the Táin Bó Cúailnge and Táin Bó Flidhais, and the tale of Glas Gaibhnenn. The national land mammal/animal is unclear. The Irish hare (""Lepus timidus"") has been described as a national animal, as has the red deer (""Cervus elaphus""). The national plant is the shamrock (""Trifolium dubium"" or ""Trifolium repens""). ""Fuchsia magellanica"" 'Riccartonii' (hummingbird fuchsia, hardy fuchsia; in Irish ""deora Dé"", ""tears of God"") has sometimes been described as the national flower, despite not being a native plant. Flax (""Linum usitatissimum"") is widely used as an emblem of Northern Ireland, such as in"
"of Indian yellow-nosed albatrosses. There are no native land mammals. Subantarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals breed on the island. Introduced mammals include the house mouse and brown rat. Feral cats are present. A distinct breed of wild cattle, Amsterdam Island cattle, also inhabited the island from 1871 to 2010. They originated from the introduction of five animals by Heurtin during his brief attempt at settlement of the island in 1871, and by 1988 had increased to an estimated 2,000. Following recognition that the cattle were damaging the island ecosystems, a fence was built restricting them to the northern"
"lobster present on the coat of arms is a Caribbean Spiny Lobster (""panulirus argus""), which does indeed have ten legs. The current flag was modified in 1999, when a white outline was added to the shield and the badge height was increased to approximately half of the hoist width. A red ensign with the shield to the centre-right is used as civil ensign (seen below), although this has not yet been approved by Order in Council laid before Parliament. The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands has a separate flag (also seen below), a Union flag defaced with the"
"the United Kingdom and discovery, together with two golden estoiles from the arms of James Cook who discovered the islands. The background of the shield is blue and white lozenges. The supporters are an Antarctic fur seal standing on a mountain, and a macaroni penguin standing on ice, both animals native to the islands. The crest is a reindeer, from the two herds of reindeer found on South Georgia Island. The motto is ""Leo Terram Propriam Protegat"" (Latin: “[Let the] Lion protect his own land”). The coat of arms is used in the fly of the flag of South Georgia"
"Islanders internationally. In 2011, in support of Argentina's claim to the islands, the members of Mercosur banned Falklands flagged vessels from entering their ports. Vessels flying the Falklands Civil Ensign are required to re-flag with the Red Ensign to enter Mercosur ports. The flag was flown from several HM Government buildings in London, including 10 Downing Street and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall, on 14 June 2012 to mark the 30th anniversary of the islands' liberation. Flag of the Falkland Islands The current flag of the Falkland Islands was adopted on 25 January 1999 and consists of a"
"arms depicts two animals which are supporting the shield. On the left is a ""dolphin"" which is symbolic of the fishing industry. On the right is a pelican which is symbolic of a small island named Pelican Island that once existed off the coast of Bridgetown. Above the shield is the helmet of Barbados with an extended arm clutching two sugar-cane stalks. The ""cross"" formation made by the cane stalks represents the saltire cross upon which Saint Andrew was crucified. On the base of the Coat of Arms reads ""Pride and Industry"". The Golden Shield in the coat of arms"
"Economy of the Falkland Islands The economy of the Falkland Islands, which first involved sealing, whaling and provisioning ships, became heavily dependent on sheep farming from the 1870s to 1980. It then diversified and now has income from tourism, commercial fishing, and servicing the fishing industry as well as agriculture. The islands use the Falkland pound, which is backed by sterling. During the 19th century, the supply and maintenance depot for ships at Stanley developed into a port serving ships rounding Cape Horn. There was also trade in cow hides from the wild descendants of cattle introduced by French settlers"
"Lively Island Lively Island () is the largest of the Lively Island Group of the Falkland Islands, The island group lies east of East Falkland. Lively Island is the largest rat-free island in the Falklands, hence its importance to birdlife. The island also has a sheep farm. The Spanish name, ""Isla Bougainville"" (like Port Louis) is named after the French navigator Louis de Bougainville who established the first settlement in the archipelago in the 1760s. In the late 19th and early 20th Century the island was owned by George Cobb. It was sold after World War I to pay taxes."