Save the Cassowary from Extinction in Australia

With donors help, Rainforest Rescue sponsored important research on the various aspects of the ecology of the threatened Southern Cassowary. The research was conducted by an honours student from Southern Cross University, NSW Australia. Under the guidance of wildlife ecologist Dr Ross Goldingay and CSIRO cassowary expert Dr David Westcott, a comprehensive cassowary survey was conducted.

Conducted in the Daintree coastal lowlands, situated 120 km north of Cairns and within the World Heritage Wet Tropics region of north-eastern Queensland, Australia. The Daintree lowlands are one of six priority cassowary management areas, comprising of identified critical cassowary habitat. It is only the second comprehensive cassowary survey of the Daintree region, the first being almost 20 years ago.

The student and researcher was accompanied by Indigenous Jabalbina rangers whilst surveying the more remote areas. Monitoring and caring for cassowaries is of high cultural importance and a priority action on Jabalbina’s management plan.

'A privilege it has been indeed to have spent such deep time in the ancient forests of the Kuku Yalanji people with these superb birds. I am very happy with the outcomes of my fieldwork, it took lots of legwork to get the data but it's been worth every step'  Research Student

The aims of the research was to

• Record any sign of cassowary (sighting, prints, scats and vocalizations) on 31 sites
• To assess habitat parameters and survey variables that may influence usage by, or detectability of these birds.
• To monitor these sites with motion sensor camera traps and attempt photographic identification of individuals.
• To compare lean season fruit resource use to fruit resource availability by through dietary analysis of scats and identification and quantification of fruit on the forest floor.

An experimental survey technique was also trialled whereby coloured lures (imitating fruit) were secured to the base of trees in front of camera traps.

Thanks to Rainforest Rescues assistance in providing camera traps, cassowaries were detected on all 31 sites and 45-50 individual birds have been photographically identified.

Ongoing research on Cassowary populations is vital for assessment & evaluation of rainforest protection and restoration methods. Signs of Cassowary returning to and being sighted in an area is the single most effective way to confirm that what we're doing is working. Without supporters help we could not continue this vital work to provide habitat for the Southern Cassowary and ensure it's survival. Thank you to all of our supporters who understand and are a part of this work!

Almost a year ago we told you about a research and development project that aimed to recycle tyre bollards for use in the Daintree. Even in remote areas such as the rainforest, dumped tyres are an environmental issue; especially in prime cassowary corridors.

When Rainforest Rescue purchased Lot 46 in the Daintree to rescue the degraded rainforest site, over 180 tons of debris was removed including dumped tyres. This was a property which represented a sizebale chunk of the unprotected Daintree and hence cassowary habitat - twenty four football fields worth to be exact. We planted over 40,000 trees to help restore the rainforest to its former glory. Disaster then struck in 2016 when drivers in a Ute illegally sped onto the site and purposefully destroyed an area of newly planted trees. Action was needed to prevent this from reoccurring. 

After a number of failed designs from different manufacturers, John Dobozy at Molectra came up with a viable solution using vulcanisation of old rubber crumb – importantly not using any chemicals in the recycling/upcycling process.

The creation of these bollards represent many wins for the environment by stopping vehicle access, protecting trees that we have planted to regenerate the cassowary’s habitat; plus protecting one of the oldest rainforests on the planet and providing a new use for old tyres. This wouldn’t be possible without your support.

"It’s been an interesting process trying to develop a sustainable solution to the problem. Over the past 18 months we’ve learned a lot about reuse and recycling of rubber! Research and Development projects always throw out interesting challenges, but with patience and professionality these have been navigated and now we have recycled tyre bollards in the ground protecting trees and the cassowary’s habitat– result!"  Julian Gray CEO Rainforest Rescue

More good news that our efforts are creating positive change: The Southern Cassowary has moved from Endangered to Vulnerable status, a step closer to a healthy population.

Here is a short video of the Cassowary father and his chicks which we recently just stumbled upon in the lowland Daintree; again proof the corridors are safely being protected.

On behalf of all at Rainforest Rescue, and the endangered Southern Cassowary – Thank You

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This project has been supported through Bridgestone’s Tomorrow Matters initiative, which seeks to find new and better ways of using technology; encourage our children to find solutions for tomorrow; and help ensure a healthy environment for generations to come