Remember my query about Cubacyon transversidens and Indocyon caribensis?
Both of these animals were originally classed as unique species endemic to cuba. Cubacyon was even called a “Cuban dhole,” if you can imagine anything quite so ridiculous.
But as the remains of these dog-like creatures were further analyzed, it was determined that these animals didn’t belong to any unique species.
They didn’t represent some unique genera either.
They were domestic dogs.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
But still I like to think that Cuba was once home to a dhole.
***
Cuba wasn’t the only island to have a “fake dhole.” (I don’t know why so many people have thought island canids were dholes, but it’s been repeated time and again.)
Sardinia and Corsica were had “dholes,” too. It wasn’t a real dhole at all.
It was derived from Xenocyon, which is the ancestor of Lycaon pictus (African wild dog or “painted wolf.”)
The actual dhole probably was not derived from Xenocyon. It was an early offshoot from the Canis line.
