Latest news with #cassowary
Forbes
2 days ago
- General
- Forbes
A Biologist Spotlights The World's Most Aggressive Bird. Hint: It's Flightless, It's Not The Ostrich, And It's Been Known To Kill People
In the case of flightless birds, the biggest isn't always the most terrifying. It is the ... More third-biggest flightless bird that you really need to be wary of. When we think of flightless birds, aggressive is probably not the word that comes to mind. We might think of a peacock calmly roaming the perimeter of a zoo (peacocks, however, aren't true flightless birds – they are capable of flying for short distances). We might think of the unfortunate dodo of Mauritius. This was a bird so docile and unafraid of environmental threats it was hunted out of existence in less than 100 years. Or, we might think of the ostrich. The ostrich, the world's biggest flightless bird, does pose some threat to humans. There are documented cases of people being kicked by the ostrich's powerful legs, resulting in serious injuries. But the bird we really need to be careful around – assuming you live in northern Australia or the New Guinea region – is the cassowary. Here's its story and why it can be so dangerous to humans. A southern cassowary strides through the dense rainforest of Queensland, Australia. The cassowary is a bird that looks like it stepped out of the Cretaceous period. Standing up to six feet tall and weighing as much as 130 pounds, it is undoubtedly an imposing figure. Its glossy black feathers resemble a coarse cloak. On top of its head rests a helmet-like casque – a keratin structure whose exact function remains debated. Some biologists suggest it helps with navigating dense forest or amplifies the cassowary's deep, rumbling calls. Cassowaries are notoriously territorial, especially the females, who are larger and more aggressive than the males. They defend their domain fiercely and are not afraid to charge when they feel threatened. The real danger lies in their legs. Each foot has three toes, the inner one armed with a dagger-like claw up to five inches long. These claws aren't just for show, they are powerful weapons, capable of inflicting deep gashes or even fatal injuries. There are numerous documented cases of cassowaries attacking humans. The most infamous incident occurred in 1926, when a 16-year-old boy was reportedly killed by a cassowary after attempting to club it. While fatal encounters are exceedingly rare, serious injuries are not. In Australia, wildlife officers have had to develop protocols for safely managing these birds, particularly in areas where humans and cassowaries frequently cross paths. (Sidebar: While few birds rival the cassowary's power on land, one rules the skies. Meet the world's strongest flying bird – it can, and does, attack humans too.) It's not just aggression that makes cassowaries stand out. It also their speed and agility. These birds can sprint up to 30 miles per hour and leap five feet into the air. They can swim well too, making them even more formidable in their dense rainforest habitat. Cassowaries are highly territorial birds and will fiercely defend their range from intruders. Why are they so aggressive? One theory points to their solitary nature and high parental investment. Female cassowaries lay eggs, but it's the male who incubates them and raises the chicks alone. This solitary, protective behavior can translate into aggression when the bird feels cornered or surprised. In areas where cassowaries come into contact with humans – like trails, suburban edges or tourist sites – conflict can escalate quickly. Conservationists stress that cassowaries are not villains. Their aggression is a natural defense mechanism. Furthermore, these birds play a critical role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds of the plants they consume. Without cassowaries, some plant species might struggle to survive. Respect, not fear, is the key. Keeping a safe distance and avoiding feeding or provoking them helps ensure peaceful coexistence. Are you an animal lover who owns a pet? Take the science-backed Pet Personality Test to know how well you know your little friend.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Zoo hopes pair of 'enormous' cassowaries will mate
A zoo has been attempting to breed a pair of "enormous" southern cassowaries. Paignton Zoo in Devon said the birds –16-year-old male Madrid and 11-year-old female Twiggy – met for the first time this week after spending years in adjacent enclosures. Staff said the time spent near each other meant there were was already a "strong comfort level" between the. The 2m-tall (6ft) species, considered endangered in its native Australian rainforest habitat, is thought to be more similar to dinosaurs than most other birds. Lisa Ward, the zoo's team leader of birds, said children are "often awestruck" by them. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon A zoo spokesman said: "With their distinctive helmet-like casques, cassowaries are often described as the world's most dangerous birds, making them a must-see attraction, particularly for dinosaur enthusiasts." The birds can reach speeds of more than 30mph (48kmh) when sprinting, the zoo said. Madrid arrived at the zoo in 2009, while Twiggy was brought over in 2017. Ms Ward said the pair had a long-standing neighbourly relationship. "That's potentially why we didn't see any of the aggression that can sometimes occur with new introductions," she added. The zoo said mating attempts were made throughout the first day but keepers were not certain how successful the efforts had been. "They'll need some time to figure things out together," Ms Ward said. "But all the signs so far are incredibly positive. We're cautiously optimistic that we might hear the patter of tiny talons in the future." Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Zoo prepares for arrival of storm-hit wallabies Zoo welcomes arrival of 'Bambi-like' antelope calf Romance hopes for popcorn-scented bearcats Paignton Zoo
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Devon zoo hopes pair of 'enormous' cassowaries will mate
A zoo has been attempting to breed a pair of "enormous" southern Zoo in Devon said the birds –16-year-old male Madrid and 11-year-old female Twiggy – met for the first time this week after spending years in adjacent enclosures. Staff said the time spent near each other meant there were was already a "strong comfort level" between 2m-tall (6ft) species, considered endangered in its native Australian rainforest habitat, is thought to be more similar to dinosaurs than most other birds. Lisa Ward, the zoo's team leader of birds, said children are "often awestruck" by them. A zoo spokesman said: "With their distinctive helmet-like casques, cassowaries are often described as the world's most dangerous birds, making them a must-see attraction, particularly for dinosaur enthusiasts." The birds can reach speeds of more than 30mph (48kmh) when sprinting, the zoo arrived at the zoo in 2009, while Twiggy was brought over in Ward said the pair had a long-standing neighbourly relationship."That's potentially why we didn't see any of the aggression that can sometimes occur with new introductions," she added. The zoo said mating attempts were made throughout the first day but keepers were not certain how successful the efforts had been."They'll need some time to figure things out together," Ms Ward said. "But all the signs so far are incredibly positive. We're cautiously optimistic that we might hear the patter of tiny talons in the future."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Watch the tense moment rare 35kg creature lowered into remote Aussie forest
After a 30km journey in a purpose built air-conditioned vehicle, a 60kg heavy-duty plastic box is lowered into remote rainforest. It's like a scene out of Jurassic Park, but instead of a dinosaur, it contains one of Australia's largest, most dangerous and rarest birds. In March, the endangered southern cassowary was discovered underweight and with a belly full of tomato seeds and fruits scavenged from compost bins. Several reports indicated the bird had been wandering along roads close to cane fields and was in danger of being hit by a car or truck. Rangers in Far North Queensland tracked the juvenile male through the town of Mourilyan and shot him with a tranquilliser dart. The state's department of environment (DETSI) told Yahoo News the bird weighed in at 29kg when he came into care, but a more natural diet helped him put on an extra 6kg by his release date on April 10. Footage released by DETSI on Monday shows the tense moment the cassowary was set free into Wooroonooran National Park. Two rangers stand at the ready with specialised tools to guide it into the scrub, while others hold cameras. After the door is opened, the bird takes a moment to survey the surrounding bushland and then darts forward out of the box without the need for encouragement. 'With cassowaries, we're often dealing with a lot of road fatalities and dog attacks. So to see one coming from poor habitat and be released into national park is definitely positive,' senior wildlife ranger Alex Diczbalis told Yahoo. In a separate incident, 80km south in Cardwell, a 55kg male had learned to associate humans with food, prompting aggressive behaviour. Residents had been locking themselves in their homes after the bird kicked a man, sending him to hospital. That bird has since been relocated and is adjusting well to his new surroundings away from humans. 😳 Photo reveals sad truth behind koala that was rescued from national park 🦘 Heavily-dented 4WD seized from quiet street following police investigation ❄️ Photos show incredible overnight transformation at Aussie camping spot Only around 4,000 southern cassowaries are thought to remain in Australia, and the species is threatened by habitat destruction, vehicle strikes, dog attacks and climate change. The birds, which can weigh up to 75kg, play an important role in keeping Australia's tropical forests healthy, so it's crucial they are eating a natural diet. It's hoped both newly relocated birds, including the juvenile, will now lead a wild existence. 'Recent site visits have confirmed that the cassowary is foraging well and fulfilling its vital role in seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration. We hope the cassowary will thrive, and in time father its own chicks.' Diczbalis said in a statement. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
