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The Lord Howe Island stick insect. This insect was driven to the brink of extinction by black rats in the early 20th century, but was rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid, a rat-free volcanic outcrop 23km off the coast of Lord Howe Island. A rescue team leapt ashore in 2003 and brought two breeding pairs back to mainland Australia, who became the founding individuals of the captive breeding population at Melbourne zoo. Adult Lord Howe Island stick insects are wingless and nocturnal, feeding only on one species of shrub. Melbourne zoo continues to learn about this native species. (Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark/The Guardian)
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