Lord Howe Island Phasmid - profile

Scientific name: Dryococelus australis
Conservation status in NSW: Endangered
National conservation status: Critically Endangered

Description

A giant flightless stick insect over 12 cm in length. The adult is a honey-brown colour with a white stripe down the side, while young animals are bright green.

Location and habitat

Distribution
Found only on Lord Howe Island group. Now extinct on the main Island, but survives on Ball's Pyramid.

Habitat and ecology

Previously widespread on main island of Lord Howe Island, where it was found in a variety of forest habitats.
Burrow in damp leaf debris during the day and emerge to feed on shrubs at night.
Appear to require proximity to seepages.

Regional information
This species is found in the following catchment management authority regions. Click on a region name to see more details about the distribution, vegetation types and habitat preference of the species in that region.

Northern Rivers

Threats

Predation by introduced rodents.
Habitat clearing and modification.
Potential for introduction of non-native invertebrates (eg Fire/Crazy Ant).
Herbicide use.
Invasion of habitat by exotic plant species Ipomoea cairica.
Risk of extinction due to small population size and restricted distribution.
Potential loss of habitat due to climate change.
Competition and predation from introduced skink.
Competition and predation from introduced frog.

What needs to be done to recover this species?

Maintain captive breeding populations for eventual reintroduction.
Control and work towards eradication of the introduced rodent population on main island.
Establish rodent baiting stations on key offshore islands to prevent establishment of rodents.
Take strict precautions during the use of herbicides and consider alternatives where available.
Control and work towards eradication of exotic plant species Ipomoea cairica.
Regenerate area of potential habitat on Blackburn Island for possible future use as a rodent-free translocation release site.
Establish monitoring sites to enable early detection of impacts of climate change on Lord Howe Island.
Support climate change initiatives.
Investigate the impact of the introduced skink and frog on the Lord Howe Placostylus.
Continue monitoring and research into the biology of this species.

References

NSW Scientific Committee (1996) Lord Howe Island Phasmid - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.