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THE CRITICALLY 
ENDANGERED STICK INSECT (DRYOCOCELUS AUSTRALIS) FROM LHI HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION BY RATS.
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WE CAN ERADICATE THE BLACK RATS WITH YOUR HELP.
A cry for help

As more people become members of ‘friends of the phasmid’ to support and help this critically endangered phasmid, the more species would benefit. That means biodiversity on Lord Howe Island would be increased.

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Since the rats arrival five species of birds have become extinct with significant negative impacts on native plants. Eradicating the black would aid in, natural vegetation communities being restored, increased numbers of invertebrates and lizards, also in birds feeding on insects and the reduction in the long term use of poisons in the environment to name a few.

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Please have a look at our GET INVOLVED page. If you would like to be involved with a great team and help save the phasmid, please contact us.

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Email: sfellenb@bigpond.net.au

About Us

The Long Lost Phasmid was rediscovered living on a rock, Ball’s Pyramid 23 km Southeast of LHI on the 5th February 2001. 

Once known to be abundant on LHI the Phasmids demise came from the sinking of a ship in 1918- rats came ashore and by the mid 1930’s the Land Lobster as it was called by the Islanders, was all but extinct. 


70 years later (2003) two specimens came to NSW entomologist Stephen Fellenberg, who has been breeding these critically endangered insects. Stephen has founded the 'Friends' a charitable institution, called the 'Friends of The Long Lost Phasmid Inc.' We are a group of dedicated people who are interested in the survival of the Lord Howe Island (LHI) Phasmid (stick insect) Dryococelus australis. 

Have a look at the following pages to find out more about us and the Phasmid. We are asking for your help to help us to continue to save these fascinating creatures.

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Thank You. 

Sincerely 
Stephen Fellenberg

(President & Founder). 
 

SAD NEWS: The Friends of The Phasmid Inc. will be closing down before the end of this year, 2023

Photograph of some of the members of the "friends" after one of our meeting/workshops at Campbelltown Art Centre

Click on the above button join us to become a member of the friends of the Long lost phasmid.

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Aims of the friends of the phasmid

  • establish a breeding program in New South Wales

  • broaden awareness of the critically endangered stick insect

  • conduct educational talks on long lost phasmid (threatened species)

  • raise funding for university-based research through the phasmid fund

  • reestablished the phasmid on Lord Howe Island

  • learn more about threaten species especially invertebrates and their environments

 

Since 2016 Macquarie University has housed and supported the Friends of the phasmid's breeding program. The world’s most endangered insect was being bred at Macquarie University where we hope to raise further awareness and funds for research.

For information on this incredible rediscovery and breeding program please visit Macquarie University Research page.

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