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Save the Cassowary

Listed as endangered, the Australian Southern Cassowary has fewer than 4,600 birds left in the wild.

These living dinosaurs play a crucial role in rainforest ecology and regeneration.

Save the Cassowary is a unique partnership between Rainforest Rescue, government organisations, business partners, Aboriginal Corporations, universities, and 20+ zoos and other non-government organisations — to raise awareness of the plight of the Endangered Australian Southern Cassowary and raise funds to help protect these rare creatures.

Why do we need to Save the Cassowary?

The cassowary is under increasing threat from loss of habitat due to development, car strikes, dog attacks, and the increased severity and frequency of natural disasters.

They are regarded as a ‘keystone’ species. Through eating the fruits of over 240 species of rainforest plants and excreting the seeds great distances from the parent plant, the cassowary plays a vital role as a ‘rainforest gardener’. Many rainforest plants depend on the cassowary to move about the landscape … without them, the structure of the rainforest would permanently change.

Shy by nature and only posing a threat when defending their nests or chicks or when threatened.

The Cassowary Recovery Team

The Cassowary Recovery Team (CRT) is a group of organisations working together to implement the Recovery Plan for the Southern Cassowary and protect cassowaries, habitats, and corridors from threats through better planning, monitoring, and community involvement.

Membership of the Cassowary Recovery Team is by invitation and is open to representatives of the Wet Tropics and Cape York regions active in cassowary research, management, and community activities.

Organisations with representatives on the Cassowary Recovery Team include:

Learn more about Cassowaries

Cassowary Fast Facts (Unknown Photographer)

Cassowary Fast Facts

Looking for a quick run-down on Southern Cassowaries? Learn more about these magnificent creatures by visiting our Cassowary Fast Facts page.

who-am-i-cassowary–petr-jen-juracka

Who am I?

The Australian Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird that is endemic to the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland.

Cassowary Ecology & Habitat (© Martin Stringer Photography)

Ecology & Habitat

The Southern Cassowary is a ‘keystone species’ that maintains the balance and diversity of its rainforest home through its role as a seed disperser.

Current Threats to Cassowaries (© Daintree Safaris)

Current Threats

The Southern Cassowary is faced with many threats including habitat loss, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, disease, hand feeding, and feral pigs, as well as natural threats such as climate change.

Cultural Significance of the Cassowary (© Martin Stringer Photography)

Cultural Significance

Cassowaries are integral to the culture, customs, and values of the Traditional Owners of their rainforest home, appearing in traditional stories, ceremonies, and dances.

Living with Cassowaries (© Martin Willis Photographs)

Living with Cassowaries

If you are lucky enough to live among cassowaries or are visiting areas where they live, please follow ‘Cassowary Etiquette’ to ensure your safety and the safety of these incredible birds.

Roles of Zoos - Cassowary hatchling (© James Biggs)

Roles of Zoos

The captive breeding program undertaken in zoos around the world is helping to maintain the Cassowary population for future generations.

Evolution of Cassowaries (© Emily Silverstone)

Evolution

The Cassowary belongs to the taxonomic order Struthioniformes, commonly known as ‘ratites’ and there are three species of Cassowaries.

Southern Cassowary © Martin Stringer Photography

Biology & Physiology

The Southern Cassowary from top to toe! Discover more about the biology and physiology of these ‘dinosaur birds’, and how they breed.

Cassowary FAQ's (© Sandy Reichl)

Cassowary FAQ’s

Who do I call to help an injured Cassowary? Are Cassowaries dangerous to humans? Find these answers and more within our Cassowary FAQs.

Thank you to Rainforest Rescue’s Ecological Advisor, Allen Sheather, and Barbara Maslen, of Wild Wings & Swampy Things for their valuable contributions.

Save the Cassowary

DONATE NOW

When you give generously, you become part of a committed team of individuals who collectively are helping to preserve some of the most biodiverse habitats and the species that live within them on this planet. Become a Rainforest Rescuer today!

Save the Cassowary

KEEP AN EAR OUT

Head over to Rainforest Rescue’s News page for the latest updates on our work preserving a vast biodiversity of plants and wildlife in our rainforests. Make sure you’re subscribed to our quarterly eNews to receive updates direct to your inbox!

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