Southern Cassowary

Habitat

Rainforest, swamp forest, mountain forest.

Wild Diet

Vegetation, fruit, berries, insects, spiders and small vertebrates.

Behaviour

The cassowary is an impressive bird with powerful legs which are armed with sharp-toed feet capable of inflicting severe wounds. It is a rapid runner and good swimmer. Shy and semi-nocturnal, they are seldom seen in the wild, but are known to be extremely aggressive towards man.

Breeding

The female lays between 3 - 5 eggs in a shallow nest in the ground. The male incubates the eggs for 49 - 52 days and cares for the chicks.

Threats

Non-native animals introduced by man, habitat destruction.

Conservation

The cassowary has world-wide legal protection. Paignton Zoo is involved in a conservation breeding programme.