Endangered Species

Animal Profile Common name Southern Cassowary Scientific name - Casuarius casuarius Habitat within the rainforest environment They live within the rainforest where there are many types of plants and shrubs. Diet They eat fruits, fungi, fish, frogs, snails, mice, insects Breeding The breeding season for Cassowaries is during May/June to October/November. The female lays 3-8 eggs and the male cares for them until they are around 1 year old. When they reach the age of 1, they are forced to leave the nest. Reason it is rare or endangered It is endangered because of habitat loss caused by humans as well as accidents on the road when they start wandering and get hit by cars. How it is dependant on other life forms in the rainforest It is dependent on smaller animals as a food source as well as plants also for food. Interesting Facts The newborn chicks are striped when they are 6-9 months and turn glossy black when they are 3 years old. Bibliography "! Birdwatching ! Southern Cassowary North Queensland, Australia." ! Birdwatching ! Southern Cassowary North Queensland, Australia. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://www.wildlife-australia.com/cass.html>. "Cassowary." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 May 2012. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassowary>.