The cassowary and each of our native species have a role to play in the Australian ecosystem and our ecology could break down if losses continue. The ‘butterfly’ effect from a single further species lost could be catastrophic, even in ways currently unforeseen. Cassowaries are frugivores (fruit eaters) that feed on 238 plants species and swallow fruits whole. Many of the plant species rely on cassowaries for seed dispersal and germination – they’re the only group that can carry large seeded fruits over long distances. Once fruit is swallowed, the pulp is digested and seeds are passed unharmed in large piles of dung.

Some rainforest seeds even require the southern cassowary digestive process to help them germinate. The large southern cassowary scats often contain hundreds, if not thousands of seeds. A ready-made fertiliser, the dung helps with seed growth. When white-tailed rats, bush rats, melomys and musky rat-kangaroos feed on seeds in southern cassowary droppings, it further helps with the distribution of seeds.

Despite reaching up to about 2m in height and 44kg in weight and having unique characteristics like a large helmet (casque) and bright colours, cassowaries’ secretive nature makes them difficult to spot. They blend remarkably well in the dense rainforest so it’s their booming rumblings and grunts that will identify their presence.

Although most likely to retreat from intruders, their elongated claws will shred humans and other animals if they strike out. They breed when fruit is most abundant (June to October), which is when the males are typically the most aggressive, particularly if cornered. It’s the male of the species that looks after the large green eggs once laid by the females. They are also responsible for rearing the chicks, leading them around their territorial habitat to water and fruit trees.

The southern cassowary has seen its tropical rainforest habitat reduced by 75 per cent from land clearing for agriculture and coastal development. As the project’s replanted trees in the Daintree Lowland Rainforest become established, cassowaries are expected to again start using the area, which will also help other endangered species… a positive ‘butterfly’ effect.

“This on-ground project will have an immediate impact as the southern cassowaries will commence visiting the rainforest restoration sites, moving them away from the roads,” McNamara said. Every $10 donated enables the project to plant and maintain one tree until it is established.

FAME works with other organisations like the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) and University of Sydney. Successful fauna projects also include finding the endangered Kangaroo Island dunnarts, securing a future for potoroos, bettongs, bandicoots, possums, wombats, wallabies, quolls, wrens, Tasmanian devils and malas, along with opposition to pests like feral cats and cane toads. Flora projects include saving native orchids and the very rare spiny daisy.

You can help by becoming a member where you’ll receive a year’s subscription to On the Brink magazine, regular e-newsletters and up-to-date information on programs and projects. Visit fame.org.au to make a donation and learn more about what they do.