The Wire

It’s feared the Southern cassowaries that roam the rainforests of Northern Queensland will soon join their relatives, Madagascan Elephant birds and the New Zealand Moas, in being wiped off the face of the earth. Cassowaries faced an increased threat last year after Cyclone Larry destroyed large sections of lush coastal habitat. The Australian Rainforest Foundation is taking a hands-on approach to save the so-called relic bird. Foundation Chair Dr Victoria Gordon hopes protecting the cassowary will ensure the survival of a range of other threatened species.