Cassowary, The Deadliest Bird in the world |
If I say which is the biggest bird in the world? Everyone will answer in one word 'Ostrich'. The answer is correct. However, Cassowary is the third largest bird in the world and most people are not aware of it.
Among the largest birds in the world, the ostrich is the first, the emu is the second and the cassowary is the third. The endangered bird is named after the Papua word ' casu ' which means horned and ' weri ' which means head. And the name comes from the eye-catching helmet on their heads. And this bird is considered the most dangerous and killer bird in the world. Many would say that this bird looks like a prehistoric turkey but the truth is that it is said to be a descendant of dinosaurs. It looks a bit like an ostrich or a turkey. The body structure is quite beautiful and colorful. The structure of feathers is also different from other birds. When you see the black feathers covered on their bluish body, you will inadvertently think of your dinosaur. And because it is a very close descendant of dinosaurs, this bird is the most dangerous in the world.
Cassowary has an eye-caching helmet on its head |
This large flightless bird is native to the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and northeastern Australia. Here are some key characteristics and facts about the cassowary:
Size: Cassowaries are among the largest birds in the world, with adult males standing up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighing up to 130 pounds (59 kilograms).
Appearance: Cassowaries have distinctive, brightly-colored feathers on their necks and heads, as well as a bony casque on the top of their head. They have large, powerful legs and sharp claws that they use for defense.
Diet: Cassowaries are omnivores and eat a variety of plant and animal matter, including fruits, insects, small mammals, and even carrion.
Behavior: Cassowaries are known for their aggressive behavior and are capable of inflicting serious injuries with their claws. They are also excellent swimmers and can cross rivers and other bodies of water when necessary.
Conservation status: All three species of cassowary are classified as endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats. They play an important ecological role in their native ecosystems as seed dispersers and help to maintain the health of the forests they inhabit.
The cassowary is a fascinating and important bird that is both admired and feared for its strength, beauty, and sometimes dangerous behavior.
The cassowary cannot fly like any other bird in the world. Because the structure of their chest bones and ribs does not help them to fly. And the muscles that help them fly are also missing in their wings. What would happen if they could not fly, the speed of this bird, which is capable of crossing two meters in one jump, is about 50 kilometers per hour. So even if they can't fly, they are good at fighting.
World's third largest bird Cassowary |
Cassowary defends themselves using helmet-type horns and sharp strong toenails. Goes to the forest in royal style. The horn of the head is about 15 cm in height and about 16 cm in length. This reduces the chances of Cassowary getting hit in the head while fighting. During the fighting, Cassowary presents itself as tall and huge as possible, at the same time flapping his wings, waving its head and waving its head, and dancing the battle dance. In addition to the head horn, they have 12 cm dagger-like claws. It is capable of causing serious injuries. It can easily kill a large dog.
Cassowaries Fighting |
Cassowary with eggs |
About 1.5 - 2 meters long and weighing 110 pounds, the cassowary is the heaviest bird in Australia. Although adult female birds are larger and more aggressive than male birds, both are equally unpredictable birds.
While cassowary attacks on humans are rare, it is important to treat these birds with respect and caution, particularly if you encounter one in the wild. Avoid approaching them or getting too close, and if you do need to move past them, do so slowly and calmly without making any sudden movements.
The bird is native to the rainforests of Queensland in northern Australia. Cassowaries are vegetarians and they mainly eat fruits. The seeds of many fruits are not digested and are scattered in the forest through their excrement. And in this way, they also help in the reproduction of plants in the forest. That is why cassowary is also called the natural gardener of the rainforest.
All three species of cassowary (the Southern cassowary, Dwarf cassowary, and Northern cassowary) are currently listed as either endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities have contributed to declines in cassowary populations in many areas.
The Southern cassowary, which is found in northeastern Australia, is listed as endangered. Its population has declined due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, as well as predation by introduced species such as feral pigs and dogs. Road accidents are also a significant threat to this species, as cassowaries are often struck by vehicles while crossing roads.
The Dwarf cassowary, which is found on the island of New Guinea, is listed as vulnerable. This species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for its meat and feathers, which are used in traditional costumes.
The Northern cassowary, also found on the island of New Guinea, is also listed as vulnerable. This species is threatened by habitat loss due to logging, mining, and conversion of forests to agricultural land.
Conservation efforts for cassowaries include habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of these birds and their role in their ecosystems.