Dryococelus australis: The Remarkable Return of the “Tree Lobster

Dryococelus australis, also known as the Lord Howe Island stick insect, is one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in conservation history. Once believed extinct after invasive rats wiped it out on Lord Howe Island in the early 1900s, the species survived in secret on a remote volcanic spire called Ball’s Pyramid. In 2001 researchers discovered fewer than thirty surviving individuals, launching an urgent effort to save the species from complete disappearance. Through careful captive breeding, habitat restoration, and the successful removal of invasive rodents, conservation teams have now built a thriving population ready for reintroduction into the wild.

Introducing the EcoServants® Student Council: Your Voice, Our Planet

The EcoServants® Student Council is a new platform where students across America can unite, share ideas, and ratify collective decisions that shape real environmental action. Together, we are turning student voices into lasting impact for our planet.

Kudzu, Prosopis, and Pop Culture: How Invasive Plants Tell the Story of Our Environment

Invasive species like kudzu and Prosopis are reshaping ecosystems—and narratives. From Bones Season 9’s “The Carrot in the Kudzu” to permaculture solutions in desert climates, this article explores how we can transform ecological threats into tools for regeneration. Join EcoServants® in documenting global invasives through our open-source Invasive Plant Field Guide.

The Influence of Herbivores and Competitors on Plant Communities

Plant communities are dynamic systems shaped by a variety of factors, including soil, climate, and species interactions. Among the most influential interactions are those with herbivores and competitors. Herbivores impact plant communities by feeding on plants, influencing their growth, reproduction, and survival, while competition among plants determines the allocation of resources like light, water, and […]