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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Southern Cassowaries Live?

Quick answer

Southern Cassowaries are native to Oceania. Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea.

Continents and countries

Southern Cassowaries occur across Oceania. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Tropical rainforest of Queensland and New Guinea provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where southern cassowaries persist today.

FAQs

Where do southern cassowaries live in the wild?

Tropical rainforest of northern Queensland, New Guinea, and Aru Islands — southern cassowary in Australia and New Guinea.

What do southern cassowaries eat?

They feed on frugivore — rainforest fruit and fungi, varying by season and local habitat.

Are southern cassowaries endangered?

Southern Cassowaries are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a southern cassowary?

Adults weigh about 60 kg and reach roughly 1.8 m long.

Sources

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