The Island Where An Animal That Was Almost Extinct Lives!

In the stunning waters of the Tasman Sea lies a place so unique, so hidden, that few people even know it exists. A piece of land filled with surreal landscapes and unmatched nature. A place full of life, home to a plant you might have in your living room, and a small animal that resurfaced after decades of being thought extinct. Lord Howe Island is located in the Tasman Sea in the Pacific Ocean, about 375 miles east of mainland Australia. It measures around 7 miles long and 1.2 miles wide. The island was discovered by accident in 1788 by British navigator Henry Ball, who was transporting convicts to Norfolk Island nearby. When he unexpectedly came across this extraordinary place, he named it Lord Howe, after a British admiral. The first settlers arrived in 1834, when three couples came over from New Zealand, the second closest country to the island. Over time, a small community formed, based initially on whaling and cargo shipping stopovers. But it wasn't until after World War II that tourism started to grow, mainly due to the use of seaplanes. However, with increased human presence, it soon became clear that parts of the island's ecosystem were being harmed. In the 1980s, both the Australian government and local residents began an environmental awareness movement. That led to the island being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site Lord Howe's biodiversity is incredible. There are over 130 species of birds, plus native reptiles, snails, and many types of insects. And just like its beauty on land, the waters around the island are nothing short of spectacular, with over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral, forming the southernmost coral reef in the world. What makes it so special is that it lies at the rare intersection of three different ocean zones, tropical, subtropical, and temperate. This creates a unique marine ecosystem, where species that are usually separated on the map all coexist in the same area. And let's not forget the coral reef itself. Absolutely breathtaking. The island's plant life is just as impressive. It's like a floating botanical garden. There are over 240 native plant species, with 105 found nowhere else on earth. One of the most iconic is the Kentia palm, which became a major export product and is now found in shopping malls and homes around the world. On Lord Howe, you'll also find lush fern forests, subtropical plant zones, cloud forests in the mountains, and open meadows by the coast. Walking from one end of the island to the other feels like crossing through multiple worlds. About 70% of the island's land animals are endemic. Among them is the famous Lord Howe stick insect, also known as the tree lobster, which was thought to be extinct for decades after rats were introduced to the island. Luckily, in 2001, it was rediscovered, alive and well, on a steep cliff on a nearby rock formation. It narrowly escaped extinction. Unfortunately, humans had introduced invasive species like rats, goats, and cats, leading many endemic birds, especially ground birds, to extinction. But starting in the 1980s, large-scale efforts were launched to remove invasive species. The biggest initiative was the 2019 rodent eradication program, one of the largest of its kind in the world, and it was a complete success. All rats were eliminated, and native animals like birds, snails, and insects are beginning to repopulate. The beloved tree lobster is also being bred in captivity, with plans to reintroduce it to the island's ecosystem. Since Lord Howe is relatively small, not many people live there, only about 350 residents. But these aren't just locals, they're true guardians of this natural treasure. They manage the island themselves, focusing on conservation and minimizing environmental impact. This is what sets the island apart. The locals actively enforce the protection rules. They live mainly from ecotourism, small-scale farming, and sustainable activities, like cultivating the Kentia palm. Here are a few interesting facts about the island. 1. In 1948, a small plane crashed on the island. The wreckage is still there. 2. The island is the remnant of a 7-million-year-old underwater volcano. 3. Remember the tree lobster found on a nearby island? That island is Ball's Pyramid, the tallest volcanic stack in the world. Rising an incredible 1,857 feet, 566 meters, straight from the ocean. 4. There's a small airport on Lord Howe, with flights arriving on 32 seat planes from just a few cities in Australia. And of course, there's plenty to do. You can relax in near silence on any part of the island, or go diving in the coral reef. Hiking is also very popular, especially the iconic Mount Gower Trail, considered one of the top 10 hikes in the world. You can also kayak, go deep-sea fishing, and enjoy incredible bird-watching, thanks to the island's rich avian diversity. And since there are very few cars, cycling is a must. A great way to explore and stay active. All of this makes Lord Howe Island a truly one-of-a-kind place. Perhaps the last of its kind. Because if it's not carefully preserved, there won't be another like it. It's a reminder of what the world could be if our relationship with nature were based on respect, balance, and responsibility. If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with that person you know who loves discovering incredible places.