Illegal feeding of endangered bird creates traffic problems on range
It’s feared an endangered bird slowing traffic, oblivious to the danger of passing cars, is at serious risk of being run over if motorists do not stop feeding the rainforest icon.
Cairns
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It’s feared an endangered bird slowing traffic, oblivious to the danger of passing cars, is at serious risk of being run over if motorists do not stop feeding the rainforest icon.
The cassowary has been sighted repeatedly meandering in and out of traffic along a 5km stretch of Gillies Range Road where drop offs on each side are extremely steep.
Department of Environment, Science and Innovation manager of northern wildlife operations Dave Woods has asked drivers on Gillies Range Rd to reduce their speed, keep an eye out for the bird and keep their windows wound up.
“Wildlife officers have reviewed videos taken by members of the public and believe this bird has been previously fed by people from cars,” Mr Woods said.
“It is not wary of vehicles, and it can be seen approaching vehicles as they slow down or stop, hoping to be fed.
“We have conducted several site inspections and observed the cassowary’s behaviour, but the section of road presents operational challenges.
“Due to the narrow road, high volume of traffic and steep landscape, it would be dangerous and difficult for wildlife officers to conduct behavioural modification on the animal.
“We are currently working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service about management options to address the risk to road users and the cassowary.”
The recent cassowary sightings are considered a rare event on the Gillies Range Road in an area about 2km from the top gate, unlike at the top of the Kuranda Range.
A series of road strike deaths near the Black Mountain Road turn outside Kuranda in 2020 triggered a campaign to reduce the speed limit and better signage.
Mr Woods said the cassowary had been reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by concerned members of the public.
“If people stop offering the cassowary food, it will return to the rainforest and go back to foraging for food without any further human intervention,” he said.
“It is illegal to feed cassowaries, because it can alter their behaviour, puts them at risk of vehicle strike or dog attack and they can act aggressively towards people if they are expecting food.”
The southern cassowary is considered endangered, and its population is limited to rainforest areas of the Wet Tropics and Cape York.
HOW TO BE CASS-O-WARY
Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by kicking out with their large, clawed feet.
People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics.
Never approach cassowaries.
Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
Slow down when driving in cassowary habitat.
Never stop your vehicle to look at cassowaries on the road.
Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.
Originally published as Illegal feeding of endangered bird creates traffic problems on range
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