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General News

4 July, 2020

Elvis the cassowary loses last of his chicks

Another cassowary has been killed along the Kuranda Range, with Elvis the cassowary now losing all four of his chicks to vehicle strikes.

By Phil Brandel

Elvis the cassowary loses last of his chicks - feature photo

Another cassowary has been killed along the Kuranda Range, with Elvis the cassowary now losing all four of his chicks to vehicle strikes.

The accident happened around midday Thursday, June 2 on the same stretch of Kennedy Highway where the other three chicks were also killed by vehicle strikes.

The accident happened at the top of the Kuranda Range near the bus depot, where an overtaking lane permits drivers to travel at 80 kilometres per hour.

According to Queensland Police “Human impact contributes to approximately 80 per cent of cassowary deaths in the Far North, with the major cause being vehicle collisions.”

These school holidays Far North Police are reminding motorists to be cass-O-wary while in driving in the tropics.

“As COVID-19 restrictions slowly ease more and more people are on the roads, we are reminding everyone to take care in cassowary country.”

“Not only are cassowaries an incredible tourist drawcard, but most importantly they contribute to the health of our rainforests.

“With only a couple thousand cassowaries left in the wild, it is our responsibility to take the necessary precautions when driving around the far north.”

Police have issued the following advice to people if they see a cassowary:

Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them

Never feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused southern cassowary deaths

Always discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids

Slow down when driving in cassowary territory

Never stop your vehicle to look at southern cassowaries on the road

If you are travelling through the Far North and come across an injured or struggling cassowary, please report the sighting to the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.

 

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