Southern Cassowary
Murray Falls, May 2019.
My wife and I have always wanted to see a Cassowary in the wild and in May 2019 our wish came true. This bird is on the endangered list. They can run at great speed and use the bony casque on the head as a battering ram through dense rain forrest.
Murray Falls, May 2019.
One of the main reasons it is endangered is road kill and it was whilst crossing a dirt road near a camp area that we spotted this one. They feed on fallen fruit, berries, fungi, snails and carrion. The latter being the reason why they are attracted to campsites in search of scraps left by humans.
Murray Falls, May 2019.
They are extremely dangerous especially when young are present. Those giant toes are used to attack and defend themselves by jumping/kicking with the toes extended forward.