Introduced Animals

Sponsor

Year

Amount

Various

2012

$13,000

This display was designed to show how introduced animals were part of the way of life for previous generations, the impacts those animals had, the benefits since cats, pigs and goats were removed in the 1980s, and to prompt consideration of what might be done about rodents. The display features artwork, photographs and design by local artist Margaret Murray and Curator Ian Hutton.

The design, construction and installation of the display was funded by various donations from The Lord Howe Island Board, Peter Dowling, and Janet White & Neil Fordyce, in 2012.

As on most islands around the world, exotic animals were introduced to Lord Howe Island either deliberately as stock or pets, or accidentally as in the case of rats, mice and frogs. Some of these animals have had an impact on the flora and fauna of the Island. However since the 1970s these impacts have been recognised, and there have been major conservation projects involving removal of cats, pigs and goats.

A challenge ahead for the community and government is to achieve eradication of rodents, which would provide the most significant benefits of any conservation measure on the Island.

Other past projects

Zoom In!

A recent major acquisition at the Museum was the purchase of a digital microscope, the Micro-Eye built in New Zealand by Micro-Imaging.

Portrait of James Dorman

In 2021, the Museum commissioned a portrait painting of founder James Dorman.

Woodhen book

This book gives information on often asked questions about the Woodhen, plus the story of its rescue from the brink of extinction in 1980. The production was provided by LHI Museum volunteer committee members Ian Hutton, Sue Nichols and Margaret Murray.

1960s souvenir booklet

Shirley had this booklet reprinted in memory of her mother, and to support the Lord Howe Island Museum. The original was one of the first booklets available to tourists after World War II.

Electricity generator

This generator has been part of the museum’s collection for some 20 years. Funds were used to engage local mechanic, Bing Simpson, to give the generator conservation treatment to limit future oxidation and preserve the original character.

World Heritage book

This lavish 264 page colour book is a celebration of World Heritage Lord Howe Island. Sponsorship of the book came following a visit to the Island by Michael Looker, Director of the Nature Conservancy (Australia), who felt that it is important to promote Lord Howe Island as an example of world’s best practice environmental management by the Lord Howe Island Board and the New South Wales government.