Cassowary appeal
By:AG Society
| June-17-2009
The survival of this striking bird is vital for the health of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland.
WHAT The southern cassowary
Casuarius casuarius johnsoniiWHERE Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Queensland
STATUS Estimated less than 1500 left in the wild
WHY The Southern Cassowary is the gardener of the Australian rainforest. The species disperses the seeds of more than 200 rainforest plants, on which an array of insects, birds and mammals depend for food and shelter.
The survival of this striking bird is vital for the health of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland.
As development destroys their remaining habitat, action is urgently needed. The AG Society is raising funds for a detailed study by the University of Queensland and Queensland Parks and Wildlife to track the species and ensure protection of significant areas of its habitat.
HOW WE HELPED The Australian Geographic Society raised over $14,000 for Uni of QLD Cassowary Project.
In the first month of fundraising over $6000 was raised for the Cassowary Appeal.
Put on hold for 2 weeks due to the AG Bushfire Appeal, the fundraising has recommenced for this important project.
Only 1500 Cassowaries remain in the wild, the funds from this appeal will go towards research on the distribution and affect of human populations on the remaining cassowary habitats.
Have you seen a cassowary in the wild? A campaign is underway to record sightings of the cassowary, and the results are recorded the
Cassowary Research site.
Home to a warm climate and the crystal clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland is a tropical paradise. Off the coast lies the Great Barrier Reef, a breathtaking coral system abounding in exotic fish and spectacular colours. The lush World Heritage-listed Daintree forest in the far north provide some relief from the heat, while further inland, the Simpson Desert’s earthy red dunes offer a stark change of scene.