Did you know my home the Secret Forest is part of the Tropical North Queensland Rainforest, close to the top of Australia?
I decided to wander deep into the Secret Forest for a nature adventure of my own. I had seen Pirate Pete’s parrot many times but was amazed to learn of a wonderful, flightless bird found only in the Tropical North Rainforests of Qld, Papua New Guinea and surrounding Islands. The Southern Cassowary-Casuarius casuarius jonsonii out of the three species in the world it is the only one found in Australia.
‘He can’t fly but I’m telling you, he is heavier than a tall emu!’, up to a massive 75kg for the females and 50kg for the males and adult birds can grow to a whopping 2m tall! Quite a lot to take in for a petite fairy like me!
They are a very beautiful bird with a long, bright blue neck and blend in well to their tropical backdrop. The adult Cassowary has a tall brown casque (helmet) on the top of its head. The purpose of its casque is unknown but may have to do with dominance and age as it matures. Research also indicates it may have to do with ‘hearing’ the low vibrating sounds from other Cassowaries.
They have coarse hair-like feathers and lack barbules that all other birds have to hold their feathers together. They also have no tail feathers. Their legs are extremely muscular and their foot has three toes. The inside toe bears a dagger shaped claw used for scratching and fighting other birds.
The Southern Cassowary plays a very important role in the growth of the rainforests. They help to disperse seeds, many larger than any animal can swallow. Their dung is a ready made fertilizer that helps the seeds to grow. The dung actually contains hundreds of seeds the Cassowary has eaten and distributed over hectares of forest! So you could say they help to ‘create’ my home the Secret Forest!
Unfortunately due to many factors, the Southern Cassowary is an Endangered Species which means it is at risk of becoming extinct. Many issues they face every day include, land clearing, farming and residential, wild and pet dog attacks, disease, cyclones, vehicle attacks. To find out more you can look at web sites such as http://www.epa.qld.gov.au which gives you information on nature conservation, parks & forest and environmental management across Australia. This is one of my favourite websites!
If you have the chance to visit the rainforest remember Southern Cassowaries are beautiful but they are very strong and unpredictable. Never approach them in the wild. They can become aggressive if agitated or scared and can strike with their powerful feet. Admire them from a safe distance and always remember these animals are not pets- never feed wild animals!
So next time you’re in a forest, take note of the sounds, smells and sights that surround you. Close your eyes and inhale your own ‘Secret Forest’.
Bye for now!