Chemical immobilisation and satellite tagging of free-living southern cassowaries

Abstract

Background: The southern cassowary ('Casuarius casuarius johnsonii') attains 1.8m in height and over 80 kg in weight. These large birds are equipped with large claws and, although not a direct threat to humans, they have caused serious injury to handlers and members of the public. Methods and results: This study describes chemical immobilisation, restraint, transport and post-monitoring (satellite tracking) methodologies: for adult and juvenile southern cassowaries, captured and released from their natural environment. Conclusions: The described methods have improved the management and research opportunities for the southern cassowary and may be transferable to other species of large ratite.