The Latest Breaking News from Lord Howe Island

Rodent Eradication Spurs Recovery: Lord Howe Island study finds insects up 60%; lost species return

Lord Howe Island implemented a successful rodent eradication program, significantly improving its ecological balance and biodiversity. Following the operation, various native bird populations, including the black-winged petrel, experienced remarkable growth. Researchers found previously thought extinct insect species returning, highlighting the positive impact of the initiative. Additionally, a robust study documented…

The Times of India · Sep 25

We found the hidden force that created two chains of underwater volcanoes running side by side

Lord Howe Island sits about 600 kilometres off the New South Wales coast, a crescent of rainforest and sea cliffs that draws visitors for its spectacular beaches and its unique birdlife. Few realise they are standing on the weathered remains of a volcano.

The Conversation · Sep 18

‘Walking sausage’: the giant stick insect that proves it’s not over till we give up

Also known as the tree lobster, this ultra-rare creature was inadvertently driven to the brink by European settlers

The Guardian - UK · Aug 7

They’re 600km off the coast, but farmers on Lord Howe Island say ‘we can’t compete with Woolworths’

A weekly supply plane carries online grocery orders to the island’s 450 residents, but a growing number are returning to subsistence farming

The Guardian - AU · Aug 10, 2024

Beyond the Barrier Reef: Australia’s 3 other World Heritage reefs are also in trouble

The Great Barrier Reef is world famous – it’s the largest coral reef system in the world and home to tens of thousands of species. No wonder it is World Heritage listed.

The Conversation · Jul 16, 2024

Earthquake strikes off New Caledonia, triggers marine tsunami warning for Lord Howe Island

The Bureau of Meteorology warns of a possible marine tsunami after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake south-east of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia.

ABC News · May 19, 2023

What is myrtle rust and why has this disease closed Lord Howe Island to visitors?

Some 70% of the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island has been closed to non-essential visitors in response to a recurrence of the plant disease myrtle rust.

The Conversation · Mar 20, 2023

Most of Lord Howe Island closed to visitors after outbreak of plant fungus

Permanent park preserve temporarily closed over fears myrtle rust outbreak may compromise endemic plant species

The Guardian - AU · Mar 17, 2023

Lord Howe Island closed over ecological threat

One of Australia's most exclusive holiday destinations has been partially closed to visitors as it fights an invasion of myrtle rust spore.

The New Daily · Mar 16, 2023

Most of Lord Howe Island off limits to visitors due to 'highly infectious' plant disease myrtle rust

The majority of land on Lord Howe Island has been temporarily closed to all non-essential visitors due to the escalating risk of the highly transferable myrtle rust.

ABC News · Mar 16, 2023