Propagate and Plant: Cassowary Conservation

Thank you so much for your donation in support of our project to save the Endangered Southern Cassowary We are close to securing a permanent spot on the GlobalGiving website which will enable us to reach out to more like-minded individuals who care about our precious rainforests.

At the last count we only needed 8 more donors and a minimum of $2,000 to complete the challenge. Please let your friends and family know of our campaign and ask them to support us in our challenge.

I just wanted to take this opportunity and update you on our project.

Rainforest Rescue is set to buy back and protect its 16th Daintree Rainforest property this Christmas with an appeal to purchase Lot 8 Buchanan Creek Road.

This important property is located in the Cairns Regional Council’s Rainforest Conservation Precinct and backs directly onto a large property that has been protected by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). Protecting this property will therefore assist to enhance and consolidate with surrounding Queensland State Government conservation efforts.

The property is also classified as essential habitat for the Endangered Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) under the Queensland Government Vegetation Management Act 1999. Essential habitat is found on and within 1.1km of Lot 8 Buchanan Creek Road.

It is of importance and some urgency that we secure protection of this property, as although it is situated within the Conservation Precinct of the Daintree, this property remains as one of the few properties that retain building development approval. The purchase will ensure the building approval rights are removed and the property is protected forever.

You can read more about the conservation values of this property by visiting our website at http://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/Protect_Rainforest_Forever.html and downloading our property brief.

To date Rainforest Rescue has purchased and protected 15 properties under its Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project. Rural residential development is the greatest threat to the Daintree Rainforest and there are 180 properties that remain at risk.

Increased settlement leads to clearing and fragmentation of the rainforest, more wildlife killed on roads and the further loss of wildlife through domestic dog attacks.

The Endangered Southern Cassowary, found only in the tropical rainforests of Northern Queensland is particularly at risk. Only 1,000 of these ancient birds remain in the wild.

Thanks to your support we can soon protect another piece of the Daintree Rainforest and protect forever this important rainforest species and their habitat.

For further information on our Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project please visit our website at http://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/ourprojects/save-a-rainforest-daintree.html

Thanks again for your support. I look forward to keeping you updated on the purchase of Lot 8 Buchanan Creek Raod and our important work to save the Cassowary.

• Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project (PDF)