May 19, 2025
UNOC 3 Position Paper
Read our position paper on The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) to see why we're attending and what we aim to accomplish!
Captive Breeding Success for Critically Endangered Island Species “Tree Lobster”
The Critically Endangered Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, once believed to be extinct, is being successfully bred in captivity.
The Lord Howe Stick Insect or “Tree Lobster” faced near-extinction when invasive black rats arrived on Lord Howe Island off of Australia. Due to the presence of invasive rats, Lord Howe Island was depleted of its native Tree Lobster population. It turned out, however, that after 80 years of supposed extinction, a small population of Tree Lobsters was discovered on Ball’s Pyramid, a volcanic outcrop devoid of rats just off of Lord Howe Island. Now, three breeding pairs at the Bristol Zoo have produced hundreds of eggs.
Mark Bushell, curator of invertebrates at Bristol Zoo, said:
I’m absolutely ecstatic with this result. To have the opportunity to work with this critically endangered species is a dream come true for me – and now to have bred them is a career highlight.
Breeding pairs are also being cared for in Australia, San Diego Zoo, and Toronto Zoo. The population remaining on Ball’s Pyramid has just 20-30 individuals left. Hopes are high that in six months, the eggs will hatch and this rare giant insect can re-bound from near-extinction.
Feature photo: Lord Howe Island. Robert Whyte/Flickr
Read the original article at: Bristol Post
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific and Island Conservation Sign MOU to Protect Marine and Coastal Areas in the Southeast Pacific (CPPS)
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Nukufetau Atoll Bolsters Pacific Conservation and Enhances Community Resilience by Removing Invasive Rats
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
October 3, 2024
New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
What is Climate Week?
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
December 14, 2023
Our Favorite Conservation Photos of 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
November 28, 2023
Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
November 28, 2023
Cryptocurrency Donations: Make an Impact with Your Digital Wallet
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!