Last week, the Cassowary Recovery Team met and discussed cassowary fatalities reported since their last meeting in September, 2024. A total of five cassowary road fatalities were recorded, with all fatalities occurring due to vehicle-strike. Alarmingly, all recorded incidents occurred within the Cassowary Coast region.
Areas of concern
The fatalities occurred across several critical locations:
- El Arish Road: Two fatalities, both involving adult cassowaries, occurred in September and November 2024
- Mourilyan Harbour Road: One fatality involving a young cassowary chick was recorded
- Tully Mission Beach Road: One fatality involving an adult cassowary in February 2025
- Tully Gorge Road: Another fatality of an adult cassowary in February 2025
These incidents highlight ongoing hotspots where cassowaries frequently cross the road, making them especially vulnerable to vehicle collisions.
Taking action
In response to these tragedies, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council has agreed to review speed limits in these high-risk areas.
A community effort
The Cassowary Recovery Team stresses the importance of community involvement in protecting these iconic birds. Residents and visitors alike are urged to:
- Be vigilant: Be on the lookout for cassowaries on or near the road
- Follow posted speed limits: Reducing speed greatly enhances the chances of avoiding wildlife collisions
- Report sightings: Share information on cassowary sightings and road crossings to help us monitor their movements
We urge everyone to remain casso-wary and support these efforts, ensuring the safety of our unique wildlife and preserving their place in our Cassowary Coast ecosystem.