Why in the News?

The cassowary, known as the 'world's most dangerous bird,' faces threats from hunting and habitat destruction. With fewer than 5,000 remaining in Australia, the need to protect this species is growing increasingly urgent.

Cassowary

• It is a large, flightless bird native to the tropical rainforests of northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
• It is known for its powerful legs and sharp claws, which it uses for defense when threatened.
• Its name originates from the Papuan words "Kasu" (meaning horned) and "Weri" (meaning head), describing the bird’s characteristic helmet-like casque on its head.
• Three Species
  
  • Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)
  • Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus)
  • Dwarf Cassowary (Casuarius bennetti)
• Their bodies are covered in shiny black feathers, while their necks are brightly colored, usually blue and red.
• They are frugivores, meaning their diet mainly consists of fruits, though they also eat small animals, fungi, and insects.
• They are referred to as a "keystone species" because their seed-dispersing role is so crucial to the health of the rainforest ecosystem.
• World Cassowary Day is celebrated on September 26 to raise awareness about the need to protect them.

A Cassowary