Southern Cassowary
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Listed as endangered on the EPBC list and vulnerable in Queensland, the Cassowary is one of the most important birds for seed dispersal in Queensland's sub-tropical rainforest.
It is flightless and this makes it vulnerable to attacks
from dogs, road kills and illegal hunting. Farming and now urbanisation
systematically cuts away their habitat. However, communities in the Wet Tropics
have fought developers and governments to conserve their habitat and preserve
the species, especially in coastal areas. With a range of about 7 kms (Moore, they wander alone unless ready to breed.
Breeding: For a few short weeks, the male and female stay together after mating until eggs are laid. The female then leaves and the male takes over the incubation and rearing of the chicks. After about nine months, the chicks are left to fend for themselves. Listen to Cassowary sounds here. Link to another page on Cassowaries here. |