Casuarius bennetti
dwarf cassowary

Casuarius bennetti is found on the island of New Guinea. The majority of the population resides in Papua New Guinea, on the eastern side of the island. These birds are also found on the islands of New Britain and Yapen but their presence on these islands is likely due to extensive trade in cassowaries from New Guinea. (Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Dwarf cassowaries are regarded as high altitude birds in relation to other cassowaries. Their habitat is steep mountainous terrain up to 3000 m (10000 ft) that is thickly vegetated with subtropical to tropical forests. ("Cassowaries-Bennett's cassowary", 2003; Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Dwarf cassowaries are the smallest of the cassowaries (Casuariidae). They stand about 99 to 135 cm (39 to 53 in) tall when measured to the top of the head and weigh around 18 kg (39 lb). Their plumage is black and coarse, while their feathers are similar to drooping bristles. Dwarf cassowaries have wings that are much reduced and they are flightless. The head and neck are lacking in feathers and are blue and red in color. The top of their head is crowned with a horny “casque,” which is similar to a bony helmet. Dwarf cassowaries, unlike their near relatives, do not have colored wattles of flesh hanging from their necks. Their legs do not have feathers and are solid and powerful. Dwarf cassowaries have three toes and the innermost toe has an enlarged claw, which can be up to 10 cm (4 in) in length. Females and males are monomorphoric, although females are larger than males. (Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Members of the genus Casuarius have been known to live up to 40 years in captivity and possibly to 60 years in the wild, although these claims of age in the wild are unconfirmed. Age can be estimated using the appearance of the casque, the size of the footprint, and the presence of wrinkles on the neck. Lifespan in dwarf cassowaries has not been documented. (Wet Tropics Management Authority, 2006b)

Dwarf cassowaries are shy birds that are rarely seen in the wild. They are active during the day, spending their time searching for food. They are usually found alone or in pairs and occasionally in small groups. If these birds are cornered, they will defend themselves with powerful kicks. Dwarf cassowaries have reportedly killed both humans and dogs when they were provoked. (Diamond, 1972; Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; Ramel, 2005; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Home Range

The home range of members of Casuarius is roughly 7 square kilometers and the territory size varies from 1 to 5 square kilometers. The size and shape of the range change based on the food supply and the occurrence of the annual breeding season. Female cassowaries tend to have home ranges that overlap the home ranges of several males. (Wet Tropics Management Authority, 2006a)

The call of dwarf cassowaries consists of low, booming tones that resonate at a frequency near the lower end of human hearing. This low-frequency communication is ideal for solitary birds that occur at low densities in thick forests, as dwarf cassowaries do. Little is known about communication when dwarf cassowaries meet to mate, although visual cues may be involved. (Mack and Jones, 2003)

Dwarf cassowaries feed mainly on fallen fruits or fruits that they pluck from shrubs. Dwarf cassowaries also use the crest on their head to sort through leaf litter and reveal other sources of food, such as fungi, insects, plant tissue, and small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs. ("Cassowaries-Bennett's cassowary", 2003; Gould, 1970; Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985; Wet Tropics Management Authority, 2006b)

Dwarf cassowaries have a large claw on their innermost toe and a powerful kick that they use to defend themselves when provoked. Dogs are considered predators of Casuarius species, particularly older birds, hatchlings, and sub-adults. Feral (introduced) pigs are also predators of Casuarius because they eat the eggs of these birds and are potential predators of hatchlings and young birds. Humans occasionally hunt cassowaries for their meat and feathers. Dwarf cassowaries have no natural predators; dogs, pigs, and humans are not endemic to New Guinea. (Marshall Editions Developments Limited, 1990; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985; Wet Tropics Management Authority, 2006b)

Members of the genus Casuarius are responsible for the distribution of large fruits for about 70 species of trees. The fruits of these trees are too large for many other forest dwelling fruit eaters to disperse. They also play a role in the dispersal of smaller seeds for about 80 plant species. These seeds are often toxic, but can be consumed by members of Casuarius because of their rapid digestive system. Members of Casuarius are considered keystone species. (Wet Tropics Management Authority, 2006b)

Dwarf cassowaries have been known to attack humans when provoked. Using their strong legs and sharp claws, several deaths of humans have been recorded as the result of cassowary attacks. ("Cassowaries-Bennett's cassowary", 2003; The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Dwarf cassowaries are kept in captivity as pets and sometimes traded locally. Cassowaries are sometimes hunted by local tribes for their meat and feathers. (The British Ornithologists' Union, 1985)

Dwarf cassowaries are hunted extensively but populations seem to be stable at this time. Habitat destruction and excessive hunting could threaten populations. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2004)