We were very lucky to meet this amazing and rare bird on a trip to North Queensland as it was listed as endangered in April 1999. (It was between us and our car when I took this picture!) The overall density is one adult per approximately two square KM of forested land at Mission Beach. The future for the Cassowary is rather grim. It has been estimated that only 40 adults, 28 sub adults and 31 chicks are roaming the forests of Mission Beach. Overall, it is estimated that approximately 900 cassowaries remain in the Wet Tropics. Fewer than the panda in China and the tiger in India.

Cassowaries are a large flightless bird belonging to the "Ratite" family. Normally Cassowaries are very shy but when cornered can lash out dangerously with their claws. In Australia the cassowary is found in rainforests and associated habitats in northern Queensland. Much of this rainforest has now been cleared, and those that remain are vulnerable to dogs, shooting, traffic when crossing roads, nest predation and competition from feral Pigs. The main reason for decline in populations has been clearance of their prime habitat, rainforests. Clearance for agriculture has virtually ceased but continues for residential and tourist development.