Melbourne Zoo has played a vital role in the conservation and recovery of the Lord Howe Island stick insect.
The Lord Howe Island stick insect population was decimated by introduced rats in 1918. The insect was rediscovered in 2001 by rock climbers on Ball’s Pyramid, a sea stack 23km from the island.
Melbourne Zoo has bred over 9000 of these insects, known as ‘land lobsters’, and sent individuals to other institutions both nationally and globally for breeding and display.
Further information:
Zoos Victoria: Lord Howe Island stick insect