There has been 12 known deaths on our roads in the Cassowary Coast alone in 2016/2017 FY
Last year 12 Cassowaries have been killed due to vehicle strike, including three chicks and this is a growing issue over the last few years as more and more Cassowaries are killed by vehicles.
There has been a lot of close calls with vehicles with some drivers not taking care while driving.
Impatient and speeding drivers are a real issue on our roads.
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) wildlife officers respond to all reports of injured cassowaries and wherever possible the birds are taken to the Garners Beach Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre.
A spokesperson from EHP said “Two cassowaries were successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild during 2016-17 from the Garners Beach facility, following extensive rehabilitation by staff from Rainforest Reserves Australia, Tropical Vet Services and EHP”
Environment Minister Steven Miles said “The intention is that cassowaries rehabilitated at Garners Beach will be returned to their natural environment. Every bird which is successfully released after a period of care at Garners Beach is one more cassowary fulfilling its important ecological role in dispersing seeds for rainforest plants. We can all play our part in helping this unique species and, for motorists, that means slowing down and looking out for cassowaries.”
With only around 4500 birds left in the wild we can not lose birds to any reason as no Cassowaries means no more rainforest as they are the keystone to the rainforest.
Have you ever seen a Cassowary hit by a vehicle or a close call with a vehicle? Leave a comment below.
People living in or visiting cassowary territory can help protect cassowaries by:
- Retaining vegetation on properties as cassowary feeding grounds and corridors
- Being careful when driving, slowing down and avoiding the animals
- Restraining domestic dogs
- Never feeding the cassowaries, especially on the side of the road where they might be hit by passing cars
- Letting cassowaries find their own food
To report a sighting, sick, orphaned or injured Cassowary, call the EHP hotline on 1300 130 372
The story states “only around 1000 birds left” though research estimates 4500. Hopefully that’s an oversight not the unfortunate sensationalism we usually get.
Yes Larry, latest studies estimate over 4000 birds. Great to have a place to treat injured cassowaries but much better to address the threats than spend $’s on hospitals. The results so far from the trial cassowary road crossing at Carmoo is promising. The Main Roads minister said if successful, similar road treatments would be introduced at other known hotspots. We certainly hope so. There will be a massive increase of traffic on the roads associated with the white water rafting world championships being held on the Tully River.
Thanks Larry & Cassie Wary for pointing out the new research. The story has been updated to state there’s around 4500 birds. Thanks again.