- is one of the primary causes of cassowary endangerment.
- Cassowaries are highly dependent on specific rainforest ecosystems for their survival.
- Deforestation, mainly for the establishment of agricultural plantations, logging, and urban development, has substantially reduced and fragmented their habitats.
Hunting and poaching:
- Cassowaries are hunted for their meat and feathers in certain regions, posing a significant threat to their populations.
- Illegal hunting and poaching are prevalent in areas where cassowaries inhabit, reducing their numbers.
Road accidents:
- As cassowaries are flightless birds, they often cross roads in their natural habitats.
- Increasing road networks and traffic volume have resulted in a rise in cassowary road fatalities, further contributing to population decline.
Dog attacks:
- Free-roaming dogs, often found near human settlements, pose a risk to cassowaries.
- Dogs can chase, attack, and even kill cassowaries, especially the vulnerable chicks and juveniles.
Climate change:
- Shifting climatic conditions can affect cassowary habitats and food availability.
- Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise can indirectly impact the survival and reproduction of cassowaries.
Disease and predation:
- The introduction of non-native species, including predators like feral pigs, can bring diseases and create ecological imbalances that affect cassowary populations.