(Casuarius casuarius) Cassowaries are a large flightless bird belonging to the "Ratite" family. The family name is derived from the Latin "Ratis" meaning "Raft" which describes the flat breastbone or sternum which lacks the keel that acts as a extra anchorage for the large flight muscles of flying birds. The name Cassowary is from a Malay name [kesuari] for the birds There are 3 species of which the "Southern Cassowary" is found in North Queensland Australia. Normally Cassowaries are very shy but when cornered can lash out dangerously with their claws

- Population

A realistic population size is thought to be 1500-3000 individuals, though some sources claim up to 10,000. About 40 Cassowaries are kept in captivity in Australia