The Remarkable Comeback of the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect

The Lord Howe Island stick insect, once thought extinct, was rediscovered on a nearby volcanic island in 2001. Known for its large size and nicknames like 'tree lobster,' it was common on Lord Howe Island until rats, introduced by a shipwreck in 1918, decimated the population. Declared extinct by 1960, a small population was found, leading to a successful breeding program at Melbourne Zoo, which has helped repopulate the species.

What is the affectionate nickname for the Lord Howe Island stick insect?

• Sea crab

• Tree lobster

• Land shrimp

• Walking stick

What event led to the introduction of rats on Lord Howe Island?

• A severe storm

• A scientific expedition

• A British supply ship crash

• A volcanic eruption

By what year were the Lord Howe Island stick insects declared extinct?

• 2001

• 1960

• 1945

• 1918

In which year was a small population of the stick insect rediscovered?

• 2001

• 2020

• 2010

• 1990

Which organization played a key role in the breeding program to save the stick insect?

• Sydney Zoo

• Melbourne Zoo

• Perth Zoo

• Brisbane Zoo