The southern cassowary is a large, flightless bird of the rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia. It is a keystone seed disperser and is often called a ‘rainforest gardener’.
Interesting facts
- It has a tall, horn-like casque on its head.
- Its inner toe has a dagger-like claw up to about 12 cm long.
- It can jump well and is a strong swimmer.
- It is listed as Least Concern globally but as Endangered in Australia.
- Males incubate the eggs and raise the chicks alone.
- Car strikes and dog attacks are major threats in Queensland.
Behaviour
Cassowaries are solitary and territorial. They are usually shy but can be dangerous if fed, cornered or protecting chicks.
Breeding and young
The female lays 3 to 5 large green eggs and leaves; the male incubates them for about 50 days and cares for the chicks for around nine months.
Threats and conservation
In Australia: habitat loss, road traffic, dog attacks, feral pigs and people feeding them.
Where to see it
- Daintree and Mission Beach, Queensland
- Etty Bay, Queensland
- Papua New Guinea rainforests
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the southern cassowary
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