# @science on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DKISDElS6V3
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/31945247-science-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/14bd8e2456.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-05-26T20:03:20.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Science 🧬 (@science) — https://gondola.cc/science

## Caption

🦩 Cassowaries are large, flightless birds native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Standing up to 6 feet tall and weighing up to 130 pounds, they are considered the world's most dangerous bird due to their powerful legs equipped with dagger-like claws that can reach 5 inches in length. ⁠
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These prehistoric-looking birds are characterized by their striking black plumage, bright blue and purple neck coloration, and a distinctive bony casque (helmet-like structure) on their heads used for pushing through dense vegetation. There are three species: the Southern Cassowary (largest), Northern Cassowary, and Dwarf Cassowary, with the Southern being the most well-known and studied.⁠
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🌳 Cassowaries play a crucial ecological role as "keystone species" in their rainforest habitats, dispersing seeds from over 200 plant species through their droppings after consuming various fruits. They are primarily frugivorous but will also eat insects, small vertebrates, and fungi when fruit is scarce. These solitary birds are excellent swimmers and can run up to 30 mph through dense forest. Males are responsible for incubating the distinctive green eggs for about 50 days and raising the chicks alone for up to 16 months. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and human encroachment have made cassowaries endangered, with only about 4,000 Southern Cassowaries remaining in the wild, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.⁠
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📹️ courtesy of: pattomkinswildlife⁠
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#cassowary #kuranda #newguinea #flightlessbird #bird #birds #cassowaries #science #nature #biology⁠

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 4,100
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- **Comments:** 44

## Tags

nature, science, cassowary, flightlessbird, kuranda, bird, biology, cassowaries, newguinea, birds

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