Southern cassowary  (Casuarius casuarius)

The destruction of rainforest and wet tropical coastal lowland habitat is the most important cause of the decline in population numbers of the southern cassowary. As forest is cleared to make way for agriculture or development, populations become fragmented and isolated, reducing genetic variation and where they may not have access to sufficient food or water sources. Traffic accidents are also important causes of mortality, particularly in Queensland where some areas are becoming increasingly populated. Where cassowaries come into contact with humans, dogs pose a threat to survival, preying particularly on young birds. In New Guinea, cassowaries are important food sources for some communities and are heavily hunted as a result (5).

In Australia most of the remaining habitat of the southern cassowary is now located within protected areas (3). A recovery plan for the species has been drawn up by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with the aim of securing and enhancing the status of the southern cassowary in Australia through integrated conservation initiatives (5). In New Guinea, further data on population numbers is required and hunting restrictions may need to be imposed (3). This awesome bird belongs to an ancient lineage and is one of the most striking of the flightless birds; its conservation has important cultural and ecological significance.