In Search of the Northern Cassowary

_{This YouTube video was produced by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.}

Learn more: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/conservation-media/the-forgotten-forest/

Deep in West Papua’s rainforests, the Northern Cassowary serves as an “unknowing architect,” dispersing seeds that sustain these vital ecosystems. Yet this massive, flightless bird remains largely undocumented and misunderstood.

This film follows wildlife photographer Tim Laman and conservationist Yoki Hadiprakarsa as they collaborate with local forest guides, using camera traps to capture rare footage of this secretive species. The project reveals the cassowary’s unique behaviors while showcasing the transformation of local communities from hunters to guardians.

Created for the 2026 International Conference on Nature-based Climate Solutions in Manokwari, this film elevates global awareness of Papua’s critical rainforests and supports West Papua Province’s sustainable development commitments. The Northern Cassowary, featured on the province’s crest, serves as both a symbol of regional identity and a flagship species for broader forest protection.

While designed to inform policymakers and conservation leaders at international climate conferences, this work offers compelling insights for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and the intersection of traditional knowledge with modern science.