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Habitat loss and fragmentation is the primary cause of decline. [59] They then studied 140 cases of cassowary mortality, and found that motor-vehicle strikes accounted for 55% of the deaths, and dog attacks produced another 18%.
Skeletal mount (note damaged skull) Presently, most authorities consider the southern cassowary monotypic, but several subspecies have been described. [3] It has proven very difficult to confirm the validity of these due to individual variations, age-related variations, the relatively few available specimens (and the bright skin of the head and neck – the basis upon which several subspecies ...
Edward Blyth first identified the northern cassowary from a specimen from an aviary located in Calcutta, India, in 1860. [2] It is the most recently discovered of all the cassowary species. [4] The genus name Casuarius is derived from the Malay word kesuari "cassowary", while the species name unappendiculatus refers to the species' single ...
The total number of cassowary species described, based on minor differences in casque shape and color variations, formerly reached nine. [4] Now, however, only three species are recognized, and most authorities only acknowledge few subspecies or none at all. The fossil record of casuariforms is interesting, but not very extensive.
The Ella Bay area is home to a large variety of plant and animal life including iconic species like the endangered southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii), endangered and vulnerable frog species including the Australian lace-lid, common mist frog and waterfall frog, remnant native plants and estuarine crocodiles.
Despite its intimidating size, this gentle giant poses no threat to humans, showcasing the wonders of marine life and the importance of preserving their habitat Image credits: an1malpulse #28
Dwarf cassowary in Lae, New Guinea. The scientific name commemorates the Australian naturalist George Bennett. [4] He was the first scientist to examine these birds after a few were brought to Australia aboard a ship. Recognising them as a new species of cassowary, he sent specimens back to England, where other taxonomists confirmed his perception.
Its biodiversity status is recorded by the Wet Tropics Management Authority as "of concern" and is known to contain a number of rare or endangered floral species and is a known cassowary habitat. It is estimated that only 10-30% of the original extent of this type of vegetation survives, due to extensive clearing for agriculture.