The Southern Cassowary, a keystone species of Australia’s rainforests and listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, is increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation. This project aims to restore essential habitat for the survival of this iconic species.
Rebuilding safe rainforest habitat for the Southern Cassowary
in the Daintree Rainforest
EPBC:
EndangeredIUCN:
Least ConcernThreats:
Project Location:
Cow Bay, QLD
The Project
This project focuses on a crucial site, the former airstrip property at Cow Bay, which serves as a key wildlife corridor in the Daintree Rainforest, with recent cassowary sightings in its reforested areas. However, around seven hectares remain as a barren stretch – the old runway – that disrupts the otherwise connected rainforest habitat. Restoring this area is essential to reestablish ecological continuity and support the region’s diverse wildlife.
Why we need to act
Protecting the Southern Cassowary is vital for maintaining the health of tropical rainforests, as it plays a key role in seed dispersal, promoting forest regeneration and biodiversity. As an indicator species, its well-being reflects the overall health of the ecosystem.
Rainforest Rescue is working to enhance conservation efforts in several key areas. They are increasing wildlife corridors, and creating safe and connected habitats for rescued and restored wildlife across properties.
Threats to the species
The Southern Cassowary faces several threats, including habitat loss from development and fragmentation, vehicle strikes, and attacks by domestic or feral dogs. Invasive species like pigs and plants are also degrading food sources and nesting areas. Human-wildlife conflict also poses a risk as Cassowaries sometimes wander into settlements or agricultural zones. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats, reducing vehicle collisions, controlling invasive species, and educating the public to ensure the survival of these iconic birds.
Solution and approach
Rainforest Rescue’s dedicated and highly skilled nursery and land management teams aim to restore this land by cultivating and planting approximately 24,500 trees. By reuniting these two rainforest sections, we’ll create a continuous, safe, and healthy habitat that will protect the Southern Cassowary and numerous rare and endangered species unique to the Daintree – securing this biodiversity for generations to come.
These plantings are also helping to naturally filter sediments from waterways – improving water quality and reducing turbidity for the Great Barrier Reef – as well as mitigate climate change.
Planting is expected to continue for this project until the end of 2025.
This project will also support a number of collateral beneficiary species
Critically endangered fauna
Beautiful Nursery-frog (Cophixalus concinnus), Armoured Mistfrog (Litoria lorica), Northern Tinker Frog (Taudactylus rheophilus).
Critically endangered flora
Crepidomanes aphlebioides, Hymenophyllum whitei, Thornton Peak Stink Bush (Zieria madida), Bubbia whitean.
Endangered fauna
Spectacled Flying-fox, Spotted-tailed Quoll (northern subspecies) (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis), Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus), Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus), Tapping Nursery Frog (Cophixalus aenigma), Waterfall Frog (Litoria nannotis), Common Mistfrog (Litoria rheocola).
Endangered flora
Noahdendron nicholasii, Endiandra cooperana, Lindsaea terrae-reginae, Carronia pedicellate.
Endemic possums and gliders
Lemuroid Ringtail Possum, Herbert River Ringtail Possum, Green Ringtail Possum, Daintree River Ringtail Possum.
Endemic fauna
Daintree Rainbow Fish, Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo, Musky Rat Kangaroo.
Migratory birds
Shining Starlings and Torresian Imperial-Pigeon.
Project partners and additional information
FAME is partnering on this project with Rainforest Rescue and will work in Partnership with
Traditional Owners, Jabalbina Aboriginal Yalanji Corporation (JYAC).
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