Southern Cassowary Facts & Information Guide
What Areas of the World Can You Find Southern Cassowary?
Southern Cassowarys can be found mainly on the continent of Oceania, more specifically in the following regions: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia.
In general, the Southern Cassowary can be typically found in climates that have a minimum temperature of 54 Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of 104 Fahrenheit.
How Big Are Southern Cassowarys?
Southern Cassowary males are typically 4.2 feet tall. A fully grown male Southern Cassowary is approximately 70.4 pounds.
Females tend to be 5.2 feet tall. A fully grown female Southern Cassowary is approximately 127.6 pounds.
Population Status, Diet, & Attitude Towards Humans
The Southern Cassowary population according to its IUCN status is considered Least Concerning. Their population in the wild is 15000. They are usually Confident towards humans and therefore could be a potential threat if engaged.
The diet of the Southern Cassowary is considered Omnivore which means they eat both plant and vegetation as well as meat.
How Long Do Southern Cassowary Live & How Many Offspring?
The life expectancy of a male Southern Cassowary is typically 40 years. They are considered fully mature by the age of 3 years old. Females can generally be fertile for about 37 years after reaching the age of maturity.
Female Southern Cassowary have 1-4 children at a time during pregnancy . The pregnancy lasts approximately 2 months. After birth, there is approximately a period of 24 months before they can become pregnant again.
The mating behaviors of the Southern Cassowary are Polyandrous which means A mating system where one female mates with multiple males and each male takes care of the offspring.
How many southern cassowary are in Australia?
The exact population of southern cassowaries in Australia is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals. The species is considered to be endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, hunting, and vehicle strikes.
Southern cassowaries are important for the ecology of the rainforests they inhabit, as they help to disperse the seeds of many plant species. They are also important cultural and spiritual animals for the Indigenous peoples of the region, who have long held them in high regard. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the southern cassowary and its habitat, including through the creation of protected areas and the implementation of programs to reduce vehicle strikes.
| State | Estimated population |
|---|---|
| Queensland | 1,400 – 1,800 |
| New South Wales | <100 |
| Victoria | <10 |
| Total | 1,500 – 2,000 |
Note: Population estimates are based on surveys and are subject to change as new information becomes available.
