LORD HOWE ISLAND

Lord Howe Island, a crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea, is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and unique biodiversity. Its history, geology, and the evolution of its flora and fauna are intertwined, creating a fascinating story.

Geology:

The island’s origins lie in volcanic activity that occurred approximately 7 million years ago. It’s part of a chain of underwater seamounts, formed as the Indo-Australian tectonic plate moved over a stationary hotspot. What remains today is a small fraction of a much larger shield volcano, shaped by erosion over millennia. The island is dominated by two prominent basalt peaks: Mount Gower (875 meters) and Mount Lidgbird (777 meters). These peaks, along with the island’s dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and a sheltered coral reef lagoon on the west coast, define its stunning landscape. The nearby Ball’s Pyramid, another impressive volcanic remnant, is also part of this geological formation.

History:

Lord Howe Island was first sighted in 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, commander of the HMS Supply, while en route to Norfolk Island. The island was named after Richard Howe, 1st Earl Howe. Initially, it served as a provisioning stop for whaling ships. Permanent settlement began in 1834. Early settlers engaged in agriculture and trade, supplying passing vessels. A significant aspect of the island’s economic history is the harvesting of Kentia palm seeds, which continues to this day. Tourism became a major industry after World War II, drawn by the island’s natural beauty and unique ecosystems.

Fauna:

Lord Howe Island’s isolation has led to the evolution of a remarkable array of endemic species.

• Birds: The island is a haven for seabirds, with large breeding colonies of species like the Providence petrel, a bird that is so tame you can pick it up, and the red-tailed tropicbird. The Lord Howe woodhen, a flightless bird, is a conservation success story, having been brought back from the brink of extinction. Many other bird species inhabit the island, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
• Land Animals: Native land vertebrates are less diverse. The island is home to unique species of geckos and skinks. Notably, the Lord Howe Island phasmid, the world’s largest stick insect, was rediscovered on Ball’s Pyramid after being thought extinct. The eradication of rats, introduced in 1918, has been crucial in protecting the island’s vulnerable fauna.
• Marine Life: The waters surrounding Lord Howe Island support a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine life. The coral reef is the southernmost in the world, harboring a diverse range of fish, corals, and invertebrates.

Flora:

The island’s flora is characterised by a high degree of endemism, with many plant species found nowhere else.

• Vegetation: The island’s diverse terrain supports a variety of vegetation types, including lowland rainforest, montane rainforest, and coastal vegetation. Towering Kentia palms are a dominant feature of the landscape and are economically important to the island.
• Endemic Plants: Lord Howe Island is home to a significant number of endemic plant species, including various ferns, flowering plants, and trees. The island’s isolation and varied microclimates have contributed to the evolution of this unique flora.

Lord Howe Island’s geological history has shaped its dramatic landscapes, which in turn have fostered the development of unique and diverse flora and fauna. The island stands as a testament to the power of isolation in driving evolutionary processes and the importance of conservation in preserving these natural treasures.