Super Seed Spreader
Cassowaries mainly eat fallen fruits from the ground, but will opportunistically eat fungi, invertebrates, eggs, and small vertebrate animals. Cassowaries play a key role in the dispersal and germination of over 200 plant species, spreading fruit seeds across long distances as they travel. Without cassowaries to spread these plants’ seeds, the rainforest would be a less vibrant and diverse ecosystem.
Where are Cassowaries found?
The Southern Cassowary is Australia’s only Cassowary species, found in the tropical rainforests of northern Queensland, as well as New Guinea and the Aru Islands. Two other species, the Northern Cassowary and Dwarf Cassowary, can be found in New Guinea and Indonesia. They are solitary animals, only coming together to breed.
Green Eggs and Dad
Cassowaries lay a clutch of large green eggs in shallow nests on the ground, lined with vegetation. The male incubates the eggs for up to two months, until a small, feathered chick emerges from each egg. They emerge a light brown with dark stripes on their sides, which are lost as they age. The chicks stay with the father for around a year after hatching.
The Curious Case of the Casque
The helmet-like casque on the cassowary’s head, a hollow, keratin-based structure, has puzzled scientists for centuries. Recent studies suggest the casque serves as a thermal regulator for maintaining body heat. Other proposed functions include protecting the head, attracting a mate, and amplifying their deep, booming calls.
Dinosaur of the Daintree
All birds are living dinosaurs, descendants of the flesh-eating theropods of the Jurassic Period. The cassowary’s anatomy, more than most birds, reveals their ancient origin. The cassowary’s powerful, scaly legs and three-toed feet mirror those of the Tyrannosaurus rex, whilst cassowary-like casques were found on predatory Oviraptors in the of the Late Cretaceous period. Studying cassowary traits including their respiratory systems and breeding behaviour has helped scientists to better understand the life of dinosaurs.
World’s Most Dangerous Bird
Cassowaries have earnt themselves a reputation as the most dangerous bird on the planet, owing to their powerful kicks and long, sharp claws which can be fatal. Cassowaries are shy creatures and not generally aggressive, but may attack humans when threatened, especially males protecting young chicks. Attacks have also been reported in areas where wild cassowaries have been fed as they start associating people with food. Feeding wild cassowaries is both unsafe and illegal.
Cassowary Conservation
Queensland’s cassowary population is classed as Endangered. Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to the species, as are dog attacks and road collisions. Hand feeding of cassowaries brings them closer to human populations, putting both people and cassowaries at risk. You can help protect the Southern Cassowary by choosing FSC-certified products when you shop to help end the clearing of their habitat.
Come and meet us
Meet our Southern Cassowaries at Nura Diya Australia at Taronga Zoo Sydney.