DISTRIBUTION:

The Dwarf Cassowary (Casuarius bennetti) is natural to the northern and eastern parts of New Guinea and some of the smaller islands nearby. It is present on New Britain, in the Bismarck islands, where it could have been introduced in prehistoric times (please see Mayr y Diamond, 2001).

This species inhabits in the low lands and in the mountains.

HABITAT:

Prefers the thick vegetations, such as the tropical jungles of forests.

DESCRIPTION:

Of the three cassowaries species the Dwarf Cassowary is the smallest one. It reaches a height of about three feet, although some do exceed this measurement. The casque on the head is proportionally smaller than in the Southern Cassowary.

FOOD:

The diet consists of fallen fruits it picks up from the ground.

OTHER NAMES:

The Dwarf Cassowary is also called “Bennett's Cassowary”. In Spanish it is known as “Casuario Enano” and “Casuario Menor”.