Prague Zoo joins bid to ensure survival of rare insect once considered extinct

The largest species of flightless insect, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, grows up to 15cm (5.9 inches) long.

By contributor Karel Janicek, Associated Press
Published
Supporting image for story: Prague Zoo joins bid to ensure survival of rare insect once considered extinct
The endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect (Petr David Josek/AP)

The Prague Zoo has joined an international effort to ensure the survival of a rare insect that had been considered extinct for more than 80 years.

The zoo in the Czech Republic is among six institutions around the world that have been able to create living conditions for the largest species of flightless insect, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, which grows up to 15cm (5.9 inches) long.

They are on display, a rare chance that only London and San Diego also offer.

Czech Republic Rare Insect
A keeper displays the critically endangered Lord Howe Island stick insects, nicknamed ‘tree lobster’ at the zoo in Prague, Czech Republic (Petr David Josek/AP)