- The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a large, flightless bird found in the rainforests of northern Australia, including Cairns.
- It is the third-tallest and second-heaviest living bird species, reaching up to 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) in height and weighing up to 75 kg (165 lb).
- Cassowaries are known for their distinctive blue and red head and neck, as well as their powerful legs and sharp claws.
- They are omnivores and feed on fruits, leaves, fungi, and small animals such as insects and rodents.
- Cassowaries are solitary birds and only come together to breed.
- They are territorial and aggressive, and have been known to attack humans who come too close to their nests.
2. Lumholtz's Tree-Kangaroo
- Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) is a marsupial found in the rainforests of northern Australia, including Cairns.
- It is a large, arboreal kangaroo with a long tail and powerful legs.
- Tree-kangaroos are herbivores and feed on leaves, fruits, and bark.
- They are solitary animals and only come together to breed.
- Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
3. Agile Wallaby
- The agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) is a small to medium-sized kangaroo found in the rainforests and woodlands of eastern Australia, including Cairns.
- Agile wallabies are typically grey-brown in colour with a white belly and have a long, bushy tail.
- They are herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits.
- Agile wallabies are social animals and live in groups of up to 100 individuals.
- They are diurnal and are most active during the day.
4. Koala
- The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a marsupial found in the eucalypt forests of eastern Australia, including Cairns.
- Koalas are small, furry animals with a distinctive grey coat and large, round ears.
- They are arboreal and spend most of their time in the trees.
- Koalas are herbivores and feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves.
- They are solitary animals and only come together to breed.
- Koalas are threatened by habitat loss and are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
5. Platypus
- The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a semi-aquatic mammal found in eastern Australia, including Cairns.
- Platypuses are unique animals that have features of both mammals and reptiles.
- They have a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a fur coat.
- Platypuses are carnivores and feed on small invertebrates such as insects and worms.
- They are solitary animals and only come together to breed.
- Platypuses are threatened by habitat loss and pollution, and are listed as near threatened by the IUCN.
