Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper

The Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper hasn’t been seen in Victoria for decades, but it has been reported in a handful of locations in southern NSW and the ACT.

Major threats

The Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper is found in habitat dominated by a tall perennial grass. It doesn’t eat the grass, but probably relies on it for protection from predators and extremes of weather. As this habitat is within south-eastern Australia’s wheat and grazing belt, almost none remains.

The plan for fighting extinction

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are working to discover more about the remaining and extinct grasshopper populations.

Zoos Victoria is supporting this research and is undertaking field surveys to identify any remaining Victorian populations. We are also investigating habitat needs. There is a plan to refine methods for captive breeding and re-introducing the Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper to the wild.

How you can help

• Do what you can to increase community awareness and support for the Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper.
• This includes visiting our zoos. By visiting Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo, you are supporting our work to fight extinction.
• Donate if you can, because every little bit helps. As we are a not-for-profit organisation, all donations go towards our important conservation efforts.
• Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for local wildlife.