[kpanghmc]

From the Wikipedia article on Dryococelus australis [1]

"The ultimate goal is to produce a large population for re-introduction to Lord Howe Island if the project to eradicate the invasive rats is successful."

I wonder what the 347 residents of Lord Howe Island think about this? It's an amazing story and all, but I sure wouldn't want a bunch of these insects introduced into my neighborhood.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryococelus_australis

[agrover]

At what point do we consider those 347 residents as an invasive species?

[ArbitraryLimits]

It hardly seems fair to consider them an invasive species without considering all humans one as well.

[Gormo]

Along with every other species in existence.

[tsotha]

Sure, but you'd probably be happy to see the end of the rats.

Though it seems like even if the government eradicates the rats it will only be a question of time before they're back.

[WiseWeasel]

Why wouldn't you want them? They seem harmless.

[olalonde]

Cockroaches are harmless as well... A lot of people instinctively find most insects repulsive. No rational argument is going to convince them otherwise.

[WiseWeasel]

Cockroaches inside your house are a sanitation issue, since they drop feces everywhere. Beyond that, they can knock themselves out.