A maritime disaster in 1918 led to the near extinction of the Lord Howe Island stick insect. When the SS Makambo ran aground near Lord Howe Island, black rats came ashore and destroyed the local wildlife. The stick insect, which was once common enough to be used as fishing bait, disappeared from the island. Scientists believed this large insect, known as the "tree lobster," was extinct for 80 years.
However, in 2001, explorers found a small population of these insects on Ball's Pyramid, a rocky formation near the island. These survivors were living on a single type of tea tree and were threatened by invasive vines. In 2003, conservationists took some of these insects to Melbourne Zoo to start a breeding program.
Over the years, the program grew, and thousands of insects were bred. The effort expanded to zoos around the world, including in San Diego, Bristol, and Toronto. Researchers learned a lot about the insects, such as their two-year lifespan and their ability to reproduce without males.
Recently, Prague Zoo successfully hatched young tree lobsters. Meanwhile, officials collected more wild insects to add genetic diversity to the breeding program.
Lord Howe Island has undergone a major restoration project to remove the invasive rats. With the island now safe, discussions are underway to reintroduce the stick insects to their native home. This return marks a significant success in preventing extinction.