World May 27, 2026 · 1 min read

Lord Howe Island got rid of its rats and mice – now cockroaches and bugs are bouncing back

Rodents arrived on the subtropical island more than a century ago, decimating its native flora and fauna – but its invertebrates are once again boomingIn the summer months, Lord Howe Island’s unique stag beetle, with wing cases that appear forged from iridescent green metal, fly around the ancient t...

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The Guardian
by Graham Readfearn Environment and climate correspondent
Lord Howe Island got rid of its rats and mice – now cockroaches and bugs are bouncing back

Rodents arrived on the subtropical island more than a century ago, decimating its native flora and fauna – but its invertebrates are once again booming

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.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Graham Readfearn Environment and climate correspondent.

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