Paluma Range Cassowary Citizen Science Event Oct 31st to Nov 2nd 2025

Cassowaries in the Paluma Range are at the southern extent of their global distribution yet, very little is known about this population of cryptic rainforest ratites. A research project is underway to better understand the abundance, distribution and threats to cassowaries here by way of sign and camera trap surveys, citizen science sightings and collation of historical records.

The Paluma Range Key Biodiversity Area contains 22,050 ha of potential cassowary habitat and it is estimated that cassowaries have been roaming these forests and distributing rainforest seeds for ~50 million years. Cassowaries are sighted in the Paluma Range on occasion and are evidently in low abundance so many questions arise...Have they always been in low abundance here? Are there current or historical threats that have impacted them? Are they undertaking altitudinal migration to access different fruit resources over different seasons? Are they able to navigate the fragmented lowlands to utilise coastal fruit resources? Are they able to disperse, and share genetics, with the core Wet Tropics population to the north? 

Join with the locals on Friday night at the Paluma Community Centre for a catered social dinner (by donation) with project update and presentations. A cohort of birds have now been captured on camera traps and citizen science reporting of current or past sightings are helping to add to our body of knowledge of the species. 

Stay the weekend for range-wide sign surveys (dung, footprints, sightings) and camera trap collection. Easy on-track and/or challenging off-track surveys are possible according to your ability. These high altitude montane rainforest retain cool temperatures for hiking during the late dry season, which also corresponds with peak fruit availability throughout the Wet Tropics.  Camp with us at Magar Yamba group campground at Lake Paluma (fees are covered) or self-arrange accomodation in Paluma Village. 

Please join us in the beautiful Paluma Range to contribute to the long-term conservation of this iconic, keystone species.