Why is the cassowary important?
Table of Contents
Why is the cassowary important?
Cassowaries are important for maintaining the diversity of rainforest trees. They are one of only a few frugivores (fruit eaters) that can disperse large rainforest fruits, and the only one that can carry them over long distances.
When was the cassowary discovered?
Dutch traders first brought this bird from New Guinea to Europe in 1597. A bit smaller than its southern cousin, the northern or single-wattled cassowary is the most recent to be learned of by scientists (in 1860) and is probably the most threatened of the three types.
How many cassowaries are left in Australia 2021?
Both the Commonwealth and Queensland governments recognise this bird as endangered. Scientists estimate that there might be only 1,200 – 1,500 of these birds in Australia.
What is a cassowary for kids?
Cassowaries (Casuarius) are a kind of large bird which cannot fly. They are part of a group of flightless birds called the ratites. The ostrich, emu, moa (now extinct) and small kiwi are other ratites….Cassowary facts for kids.
| Quick facts for kids Cassowary | |
|---|---|
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Struthioniformes |
| Family: | Casuariidae |
| Genus: | Casuarius Brisson, 1760 |
How many cassowaries are left in the world?
4000 cassowaries
Sadly, there’s estimated to only be 4000 cassowaries left in the world, making it an extraordinary occasion to lay eyes on one in person. Despite their magnificence, these 60kg birds can be tricky to spy amidst the forest floors they call home – unless you know where to look!
How old is the oldest cassowary?
The average life span of a cassowary in the wild is unknown, but in captivity, they have been known to live to up to 60 years – the oldest known cassowary lived to over 61 at the Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria! ¹ The only human fatality in Australia occurred in 1926 when a 16 year-old boy was killed near Mossman.
Can I buy a cassowary?
The cassowary that killed its owner is for sale, along with the rest of its flock. Here’s our advice for purchasing one. A flock of cassowaries—birds the size of human beings with talons like a velociraptor’s—will be available via auction in Florida this Saturday.
