Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Using Pharmacological Manipulation and High-precision Radio Telemetry to Study the Spatial Cognition in Free-ranging Animals
Published on: November 6, 2016
Chemical immobilisation and satellite tagging of free-living southern cassowaries
H A Campbell1, R G Dwyer, S Sullivan
1School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia. hcampbe8@une.edu.au.
Background:
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii) attains 1.8 m in height and over 80 kg in weight. These large birds are equipped with large claws and, although not a direct threat to humans, they have caused serious injury to handlers and members of the public.
Methods And Results:
This study describes chemical immobilisation, restraint, transport and post-monitoring (satellite tracking) methodologies for adult and juvenile southern cassowaries, captured and released from their natural environment.
Conclusions:
The described methods have improved the management and research opportunities for the southern cassowary and may be transferable to other species of large ratite.
