Quick answer
Key facts about southern cassowary — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.
Claw defence
The inner toe bears a 12 cm dagger claw used in lethal kicks when cornered. Cassowaries demand respect — never feed or approach closely.
Seed dispersal
They swallow fruit whole up to golf-ball size, spreading seeds across kilometres — a keystone species for rainforest regeneration.
Casque function
The helmet-like casque may protect when running through vegetation, resonate low calls, or signal age — still debated by scientists.
Road and dog threats
Vehicle strikes and dog attacks kill cassowaries in Queensland's Wet Tropics. Slow zones and dog control help protect remaining populations.