Early Human Interaction with Dangerous Cassowary Birds

Core Concepts

Humans interacted with cassowary birds thousands of years ago, possibly managing their breeding before domesticating chickens.

Abstract

Humans in New Guinea may have reared cassowary chicks 18,000 years ago, predating chicken domestication. The aggressive nature of cassowaries is highlighted through historical incidents. Archaeological findings suggest early human management of avian breeding practices.

Stats

In 2019, kicks from a captive cassowary mortally wounded a Florida man.
In 1926, a cassowary attacked by an Australian teenager kicked him in the neck with its four-inch talons, slitting his throat.
1,019 fragments of cassowary eggshell were found among bird remains collected in New Guinea.

Quotes

"This is thousands of years before domestication of the chicken." - Kristina Douglass

Key Insights Distilled From

The World’s Deadliest Bird Was Raised by People 18,000 Years Ago (Published 2021)

by Asher Elbein at www.nytimes.com 09-28-2021

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/28/science/most-dangerous-bird-cassowary.html

Deeper Inquiries

How did early humans manage to rear dangerous birds like cassowaries?

Early humans in New Guinea likely managed to rear dangerous birds like cassowaries by collecting their eggs from the wild and raising the chicks to near-adulthood. This practice, potentially dating back 18,000 years ago, involved taking care of the young birds until they were old enough to be used for various purposes. By rearing these birds from a young age, humans could potentially mitigate some of their aggressive behaviors and utilize them for food or other resources.

What implications does this early avian breeding practice have on our understanding of human-animal interactions?

The early avian breeding practice of rearing cassowaries sheds light on the complex nature of human-animal interactions throughout history. It suggests that ancient peoples had a deep understanding of animal behavior and were able to manipulate it for their own benefit. This practice challenges traditional views of animals as purely wild creatures and highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of early human societies in managing wildlife.

How might the aggressive behavior of cassowaries impact future research on animal domestication?

The aggressive behavior exhibited by cassowaries presents an interesting challenge for future research on animal domestication. Unlike more docile animals like chickens or dogs, cassowaries pose significant risks due to their territorial nature and powerful kicks. Studying how ancient peoples interacted with such dangerous birds can provide valuable insights into strategies for managing and domesticating challenging species. Understanding how humans navigated these relationships can inform modern approaches to working with potentially hostile animals in captivity or domestic settings.