Invasive vermin decimated the island’s native flora and fauna – but its unique cockroaches and beetles are thriving once again
In the summer months, Lord Howe Island’s unique stag beetle, with wing cases that appear forged from iridescent green metal, fly around the ancient tree tops looking for a mate.
“That’s really something wonderful,” said Ian Hutton, a naturalist and nature guide on the World Heritage-listed island.
Continue reading...Permanent park preserve temporarily closed over fears myrtle rust outbreak may compromise endemic plant species
The majority of Lord Howe Island has been closed to nonessential visitors due to an outbreak of myrtle rust, a highly infectious plant fungus.
Lord Howe’s permanent park preserve, which covers about 70% of the world heritage–listed island, was “temporarily closed to all nonessential visitors, effective immediately”, the Lord Howe Island Board said.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup
Continue reading...The men, in their 70s, were travelling from New Zealand when severe weather caused the vessel to take on water near Lord Howe Island
Marine safety authorities have launched a rescue mission for two Australian men who have been stranded on a yacht in the Tasman Sea for almost 36 hours after severe weather caused the vessel to take on a large amount of water.
The pair, aged in their 70s, were travelling from New Zealand to Australia when they were hit by severe weather including 10m seas and high winds, near Lord Howe Island.
Continue reading...