Lord Howe Island Phasmid - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Dryococelus australis

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 17 Aug 2012

Profile last updated: 21 Jan 2020

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.

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 distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Predation by introduced rodents.
Habitat clearing and modification.
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.
Direct predation on adults by big-headed ants.
Possible introductions pose a direct impact on the species. Cane toads, frogs, tramp ants (big-headed ants, crazy ants, fire ants etc).
Competition and predation from introduced skink.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist 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.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Ocean	South Pacific Ocean	Known	None
Pacific Subtropical Islands	Lord Howe Island	Predicted	None

Images

Female Lord Howe Island Phasmid on Melaleuca howeana, Balls Pyramid
Enlarge image

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