Protecting Cassowaries
If the cassowaries are surviving, then the rainforest is surviving.
And then all the other animals and plants and organisms that make up this incredible celebration of life on earth are able to survive.
Recording Cassowary Activity in the Community
Since the early 1990s, with support from the Mission Beach community, we have been documenting cassowary sightings in the area. This data contributes to research, conservation efforts, and is entered into the national WildNet database of wildlife sightings.
WildNet provides developers with essential information on local habitats, helping to prevent construction on critical cassowary territories and combat over-development in these sensitive areas.
Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Facility
The Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Facility is dedicated to rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned cassowaries, ensuring their safe return to the wild. C4 has worked with the Department of Environment (DESI) in the day-to-day management of the facility since 2018, continuing the important work of providing care for one of Australia’s most iconic and endangered species.
Protecting cassowary corridors
Cassowary corridors are essential natural pathways that allow cassowaries to safely move between habitats, ensuring their survival and supporting the health of the rainforest ecosystem. Cassowaries, known for their solitary habits, must seek new territories as they mature, but roads and other developments have fragmented their habitats, making these journeys perilous. Crossing roads to reach new areas exposes them to dangerous traffic, often resulting in accidents that can severely injure or kill these vulnerable birds.
To combat habitat loss and fragmentation, we work with farmers, property owners, developers, and government agencies to protect and restore these vital corridors throughout the Cassowary Coast region. When roads intersect cassowary pathways, we collaborate with wildlife rescue teams to assist injured cassowaries and locate those displaced from their territories, gathering essential data that bolsters our advocacy efforts for safer habitats. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a safer, more connected landscape for cassowaries to thrive.
Read more:
What can we do?
Slow down.
Vehicle deaths are the #1 cause of adult cassowary deaths as their habitat has become fragmented by roads.
Don’t feed cassowaries.
One of the greatest threats to cassowaries is hand feeding, which leads them to approach humans, increasing their risk of being killed by cars or attacked by dogs in residential areas.
Restrain pets.
Leash and/or fence dogs when cassowaries are around.
Plant cassowary food.
Plant local plant species in your garden, this will provide cassowaries with more food sources in the region.
Report cassowary sightings.
Assist in cassowary conservation research by reporting cassowary sightings to C4.
Support local conservation organisations.
Support local organisations like C4 who are passionate about protecting the cassowary and their habitats.