Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernSouthern cassowary at a glance
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a bird in the family Casuariidae. Range in Indonesia: Parts of Indonesian Papua, plus Aru and Seram; human introductions complicate the origin of some island populations. Diet: fallen fruit; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Casuarius casuarius |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kasuari gelambir ganda |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Casuariidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Parts of Indonesian Papua, plus Aru and Seram; human introductions complicate the origin of some island populations |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Adult feature | Two neck wattles |
| Main food | Fallen fruit |
| Parental care | Male incubates and cares for chicks |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 280 |
| Size | 150–200 cm · Australian Museum — Southern Cassowary |
| Population | 20,000–49,999 mature individuals globally (2016 estimate); about 4,000 birds in Australia · BirdLife International DataZone — Southern Cassowary species factsheet |
| Clutch size | Clutch of 4 eggs, incubated by the male · Australian Museum — Southern Cassowary |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly fallen fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals and fungi · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Can be active at any time, but forages by day and rests around midday. · Pangau-Adam et al. 2015, Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea, Oryx (Cambridge Core) |
In this guide (11)
Distinguishing cassowary species
Adult southern cassowaries have black bodies, a casque on the head, and two red wattles. Chicks have different colours and patterns. The word cassowary covers several species, so identification cannot rely only on a large body and running ability.
Evidence: Cornell Lab eBird — Southern cassowary ↗
Fallen fruit connects birds and trees
Fallen fruit is the main food, though cassowaries also eat other items. Swallowed seeds can be carried elsewhere. Their seed-dispersal role helps explain why losing a large bird can affect plant regeneration, beyond changing a forest’s animal list.
Evidence: Queensland Government — Southern cassowary ecology ↗
Males care for the next generation
In this species, males incubate eggs and care for chicks after the female has laid. An adult accompanying young is not automatically their mother. Give family groups space and never separate chicks for photographs or because you assume they need rescue.
Australian forest research has limits
Queensland explains cassowary seed dispersal and habitat needs, but Australian legal categories and numbers do not describe Papua. Green and colleagues (2022) also caution that human movements complicate the origins of Aru and Seram populations. A location record therefore does not automatically establish a native, unintroduced population.
Evidence: Queensland Government — Southern cassowary ecology ↗ · Green, Kay & Gignac (2022) — Southern cassowary morphology and geographic sample limits ↗
Watching a bird that remains wild
Cassowaries can be dangerous when cornered or persistently approached. Do not feed, chase, or block their way out. Follow site-manager guidance and observe from a safe distance; familiarity with people does not remove their need for space or natural behaviour.
Evidence: Australian Museum — Southern cassowary biology ↗ · Queensland Government — Southern cassowary ecology ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Southern cassowary
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Casuariiformes |
| Family | Casuariidae |
| Genus | Casuarius |
| Species | Casuarius casuarius |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the southern cassowary
What is the scientific name of the southern cassowary?
The scientific name of the southern cassowary is Casuarius casuarius, in the family Casuariidae. In Indonesian it is called Kasuari gelambir ganda.
What kind of animal is the southern cassowary?
The southern cassowary is a bird in the family Casuariidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly fallen fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals and fungi.
Where does the southern cassowary live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the southern cassowary in: Parts of Indonesian Papua, plus Aru and Seram; human introductions complicate the origin of some island populations.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the southern cassowary eat?
Diet of the southern cassowary (main food): fallen fruit. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the southern cassowary reproduce?
The southern cassowary reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Only the male incubates the eggs (47–61 days) and raises the chicks for about nine months. Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the southern cassowary nocturnal?
The cited source records the southern cassowary as diurnal (active by day). Can be active at any time, but forages by day and rests around midday. Source: Pangau-Adam et al. 2015, Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea, Oryx (Cambridge Core).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the southern cassowary?
Key features of the southern cassowary, from this guide’s sources: Adult feature: two neck wattles; Size: 150–200 cm.
How big is the southern cassowary?
Size: 150–200 cm. Source: Australian Museum — Southern Cassowary.
How large is the population of the southern cassowary?
20,000–49,999 mature individuals globally (2016 estimate); about 4,000 birds in Australia. Source: BirdLife International DataZone — Southern Cassowary species factsheet. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the southern cassowary?
Scientific classification of the southern cassowary: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Casuariiformes, family Casuariidae, genus Casuarius, species Casuarius casuarius.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the southern cassowary endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the southern cassowary is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the southern cassowary protected in Indonesia?
Is the southern cassowary protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 280).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the southern cassowary be kept as a pet?
No. Because the southern cassowary is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- Cornell Lab eBird — Southern cassowary ↗
- Australian Museum — Southern cassowary biology ↗
- Queensland Government — Southern cassowary ecology ↗
- Green, Kay & Gignac (2022) — Southern cassowary morphology and geographic sample limits ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- BirdLife International DataZone — Southern Cassowary species factsheet ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Pangau-Adam et al. 2015, Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea, Oryx (Cambridge Core) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Cassowary: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/southern-cassowary/