Since its rediscovery in 2001, the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect has managed to avoid extinction

Description

The Lord Howe Island stick insect has defied extinction after being rediscovered in 2001 on a rocky volcanic outcrop known as Ball's Pyramid. With only 20-30 remaining in the wild, zoos such as San Diego now exhibit these hardy Australian bugs.

Precarious Life On An Inhospitable Volcanic Spire

The stick insects survive on the near-vertical Ball's Pyramid despite threats such as storms, landslides, and a lack of food. Their only host plant faces vine competition, adding to the difficulties. Ball's Pyramid offers a highly restricted environment. However, it was the last refuge that kept this species from extinction after invasive predators decimated its main island population.

Zoos Lead Urgent Breeding Efforts

Recognizing their ecological importance, several zoos around the world, including San Diego, worked together to save the insects from extinction through captive breeding programs following their surprising rediscovery. Public exhibits aim to highlight the importance of lesser-known species such as invertebrates in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Driven Locally Extinct By Invasive Predators

Previously abundant on Lord Howe Island, the stick insect faced extinction when rats invaded and decimated them by 1918. With no sightings since the 1920s, the species was declared extinct in 1986. Invasive introductions of rats, mice, and other mammals have resulted in numerous island extinctions around the world, highlighting conservation challenges.

Signs Of Hope Lead To Rediscovery

Despite extinction, reports of insect remains on Ball's Pyramid provided a glimmer of hope. A 2003 expedition confirmed their survival by extracting a few survivors and launching an emergency captive breeding program.

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