Southern Cassowary

Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius

All about that bass: southern cassowaries produce extremely low-pitched vocalizations.

ORIGIN:
New Guinea and Northern Australia

HABITAT:
Lowland rainforests and swamps

HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
60-130 lbs
Height: 3-5 ft

DIET:
Fruits, small mammals and insects

PREDATORS:
Unknown

NATURAL DEFENSES:
Long, sharp claws and powerful legs

REPRODUCTION:
1-2-month gestation; sexually mature at 3 yrs

THREATS:
Habitat loss

LIFE EXPECTANCY:
20-40 yrs in human care

What is the purpose of the large helmet, or casque, on the top of the cassowary’s head?

To keep them cool	To ward off predators
Just for looks	To make people laugh

GALLERY

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