Dromaius novaehollandiae novaehollandiae

(Latham, 1790)

Vernacular names
English : Emu
French : Emeu d’Australie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Casuariiformes
Family : Casuariidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies described but now extinct.

Identification
Adults can reach a height of 1.90 meters for a weight of 55 kg. Flightless bird. Shaggy pale grey-brown plumage with dorsal parting. Neck partially feathered. Bluish face and neck, female having less blue and more black on neck.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Australia and occurs everywhere except from desertic and dense forests areas. Formerly occurred in Tasmania. It lives in grasslands, woodlands, scrublands and savannas. Avoids arid areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The Tasmanian and other subspecies from small islands went extinct because of hunting pressure. Population from mainland Australia is safe despite hunting pressure.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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