Reason for declined numbers of cassowaries?

The cassowary is endangered in Australia, mainly because of habitat degradation, but also because of feral pigs eating their eggs and wild and domestic dogs killing their chicks.

Another reason for declined numbers of cassowaries is that many are being killed by vehicles. Between the combined problem of vehicles and dogs, it is estimated that there may be fewer than 1000 cassowaries left in the wild.

Habitat loss occurs as a result of logging, farming and urban development. Cassowaries do not readily adapt to new habitats, and are particularly prone to stress resulting from displacement.

Unfortunately, as more cassowaries are killed, the gene pool is becoming less diverse, meaning that animals have less well developed immune systems. This in turn increases their vulnerability to diseases.