This is an enlargement (±70 cm) of a walking stick, nicknamed Tree Lobster: Dryococelus australis.

Why?
I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of insects for humanity. We cannot do without insects (but surely they can do without us). Disturbing is the dramatic decline in volume of insects.

Insects break down waste and return nutrients. Insects pollinate our crops. Insects are food for birds.
Insects eat pest species. In short, they are an essential link in nature.

What is causing this decline?
Deforestation, climate change, urbanization, light pollution, noise, radiation, rampant use of pesticides are factors.
It is not a local problem but a global one.

Our friends are small and easily overlooked, hence this enlargement. I ask for a moments reflection.

The story of the so called Tree Lobster is incredible. The species is unique to Lord Howe Island, a remote place located between Australia and New Zealand.
After a 1920 shipwreck rats escaped with major consequences. Several bird species became extinct. Also the stick insect Dryococelus australis disappeared... until some 80 years later.

Climbing enthusiasts looking for a new challenge on Ball's Pyramid, an inhospitable spine 20 km off Howe Island, found a small population of 24 individuals in the sparse vegetation.
After a rescue operation the species is now kept in several zoos around the world and is still extremely vulnerable.
Read the complete story on wikipedia.

Recommended read: Silent Earth by Dave Goulson