Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
Quick answer
The southern cassowary is a heavy flightless bird with a dagger-like inner claw capable of fatal kicks, weighing up to 60 kg and living about 40 years. It disperses rainforest fruit across northern Australia and New Guinea — listed Least Concern but locally threatened.
Also available in Español (Southern Cassowary)
Southern Cassowary facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Casuarius casuarius |
|---|---|
| Diet | Frugivore — rainforest fruit and fungi |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest of Queensland and New Guinea |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years in the wild |
| Weight | 40–60 kg (88–132 lb); females larger and more colourful |
| Top speed | Up to 50 km/h (31 mph) through dense forest |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Casuariiformes |
| Family | Casuariidae |
| Genus | Casuarius |
Where it lives
Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea.
What is a group of southern cassowaries called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Southern Cassowaries is called a mob.
Baby name
A baby Southern Cassowary is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Southern Cassowaries live in Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea. Preferred habitat includes tropical rainforest of queensland and new guinea. Across Oceania, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Southern Cassowarys typically reach about 1.8 m in length and 60 kg in weight, with top speeds near 50 km/h. The world's most dangerous bird. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Southern Cassowaries feed on frugivore — rainforest fruit and fungi. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As birds, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild southern cassowaries.
Human interest and research
Southern Cassowarys feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Southern Cassowary
- Are Cassowary Dangerous
Dig deeper into southern cassowary — are cassowary dangerous.
- Cassowary Facts 5
Dig deeper into southern cassowary — cassowary facts 5.
- How Long do Cassowary Live?
Dig deeper into southern cassowary — how long do cassowary live.
- What do Cassowary Eat
Dig deeper into southern cassowary — what do cassowary eat.
- Where do Cassowary Live?
Dig deeper into southern cassowary — where do cassowary live.
Explore the Southern Cassowary
Did you know? Southern Cassowary facts
- Southern cassowaries are heavy flightless birds with dagger-like claws capable of fatal kicks.
- Yes — rare fatal encounters occur when birds are provoked or fed.
- Possibly protects head in vegetation or resonates low-frequency calls.
- Conservation: Least Concern.
Diet & feeding
Southern Cassowary feeds primarily as a fruit and fungi.
Adaptations
- The inner toe bears a 12 cm claw used in lethal kicks when cornered.
- Cassowaries swallow large fruit whole, spreading seeds across forests.
Behaviour & ecology
- The inner toe bears a 12 cm claw used in lethal kicks when cornered.
- Cassowaries swallow large fruit whole, spreading seeds across forests.
Communication
- Southern Cassowary uses calls and visual displays to communicate territory, alarm, and breeding status.
- Vocal repertoires vary by species and are often learned or refined during development.
Habitat & range
Tropical rainforests of Australia and New Guinea
Ecological role
Southern Cassowary contributes to seed dispersal, insect control, or nutrient cycling depending on diet and foraging habits.
Frequently asked questions about the Southern Cassowary
Where do southern cassowaries live?
Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea.
What do southern cassowaries eat?
Frugivore — rainforest fruit and fungi.
How long do southern cassowaries live?
About 40 years in the wild on average.
Are southern cassowaries endangered?
IUCN status: Least Concern.
What is a group of southern cassowaries called?
A group of Southern Cassowaries is called a mob.
What is a baby southern cassowary called?
A baby Southern Cassowary is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Southern Cassowary:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Casuarius casuarius.
- IUCN Red List — Casuarius casuarius.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Casuarius casuarius. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
