Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
Also known as: Double-wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary
The Southern Cassowary is an enormous, flightless ratite native to the dense tropical rainforests of New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and nearby islands. Often considered the most dangerous bird in the world, it is equipped with powerful legs and dagger-like claws capable of delivering lethal kicks to defend itself. Visually striking, the Cassowary boasts stiff, glossy black plumage that resembles coarse hair, a vibrant blue neck with dangling red wattles, and a prominent, keratinous casque atop its head. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are shy and reclusive frugivores, playing a keystone ecological role by consuming fallen fruits and dispersing large seeds across the forest floor, a process essential for the regeneration of the rainforest.
Southern Cassowary Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Southern Cassowary
The exact function is debated, but it is believed to act as a shock absorber when pushing through dense jungle undergrowth, and may also amplify their deep, booming low-frequency calls.
They are keystone species. Cassowaries can swallow incredibly large fruits whole and distribute the seeds over vast distances. Over 70 species of trees rely almost entirely on the Cassowary for seed dispersal.
The Southern Cassowary is usually solitary.
The Southern Cassowary is typically diurnal.
The Southern Cassowary is resident.
The main threats facing the Southern Cassowary include Habitat loss, Dog attacks, Vehicle collisions, and Cyclones destroying fruit sources.
The Southern Cassowary population trend is currently decreasing.
Well-known places to look for the Southern Cassowary include Daintree Rainforest (Australia) and Mission Beach (Australia).
Natural predators of the Southern Cassowary include Feral pigs (on eggs) and Dogs (on chicks).
Highly respected and revered by Indigenous Australians and Papua New Guineans, frequently featuring in ancient mythology and ceremonies.
The Southern Cassowary is part of the Casuariidae family and a Casuariiformes order.
The Southern Cassowary weighs about 60 kg, stands around 150 cm tall, and reaches about 150 cm in length.
The Southern Cassowary can reach speeds of around 50 km/h.
