Animal Information

Southern Cassowary

Casuarius casuarius

Southern Cassowary

Range

Australia, north of Townsville, Queensland, on the eastern side of Cape York. Widespread in southern, eastern, and northwestern New Guinea.

Habitat

Primarily in lowland rainforests, below 3600 feet

Distinguishing Characteristics

Distinguishable from other cassowaries by the two wattles that hang from the neck. A large casque, or helmet, sits atop the head.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: fruit and vegetables, prepared omnivore diet, dog food

Diet in the Wild: Generally feeds upon fungi, fallen fruits of rainforest trees, as well as a few insects and small vertebrates.

Life Span

documented as living to be over 20 in captivity

Behavior/Adaptations

* Male cassowaries incubate and raise the young. Females may mate with and lay clutches for several males during a single mating season.
* Have been known to kill humans using their inner toe, which is equipped with a long sharp claw.
 

Status

Not currently threatened, but habitat is being swiftly destroyed

Classification

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Chordata Aves Struthioniformes Casuariidae Casuarius casuarius