Cassowaries are large, flightless birds found in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Vehicle strikes are the leading human-caused mortality source in Australian populations, causing traumatic deaths and welfare harms.
Vehicle strikes cause acute trauma and death for cassowaries that is largely preventable through driver awareness and infrastructure. Struck birds often do not die immediately — internal injuries cause prolonged suffering before death or rescue. Male cassowaries killed leave dependent chicks unable to survive without intensive rehabilitation care. The low population size of Australian cassowaries means each individual death represents a significant welfare and conservation loss. Warning signs, reduced speed limits, and wildlife crossing infrastructure in high-risk areas have been shown to reduce cassowary vehicle encounters. Community education programs that teach residents to manage fruit trees that attract cassowaries near roads also reduce exposure.