General News
24 September, 2025
App targets our big birds
A NEW feature has been introduced to the QWildlife app, allowing cassowary sightings to be reported immediately.
Since its launch in 2020, the successful QWildlife app has become a popular tool for reporting crocodile and koala sightings and marine animal strandings.
Visitors and residents of the Wet Tropics can now use the app to report cassowary sightings, including their size and behaviour, the date and time, photographs and whether the birds appear to be injured, sick or abandoned.
This citizen science initiative will provide DETSI with valuable, real-time data about cassowary populations and their distribution and will also ensure the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service can respond promptly to rescue injured, sick and orphaned cassowaries.
Environment Minister Andrew Powell said cassowaries played a crucial ecological role as a rainforest gardener by dispersing seeds of many rainforest plants, but they were threatened by habitat loss, vehicle strikes and dog attacks.
“The new QWildlife cassowary app demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to protecting and conserving our iconic cassowaries,” he said.
“Domestic and international tourists choose the Wet Tropics as a destination specifically to see cassowaries in the wild and they can enhance their holiday experience by helping to support the species’ conservation.
“The ability to collect real-time data will be invaluable in guiding our conservation strategies, cassowary rescues and our efforts to protect these magnificent birds.”
Chief technology officer Peter Reyne of software development firm GP One Consulting said the QWildlife app had provided critical information about crocodiles, koalas and marine strandings.
“Every report to the QWildlife app gives DETSI a better understanding of our world-famous animals and assists with conservation projects,” he said.
“The new app function promotes community involvement, and citizen scientist contributions will be essential in understanding and enhancing the conservation and welfare of cassowaries.”
The QWildlife app is available free in the Apple app store and on Google Play for android devices. People can also report injured, sick or orphaned cassowaries by calling 1300 130 372. People are asked to Be cass-o-wary at all times in the Wet Tropics region.
