Fast Facts about this incredible creature….
The emu is a species of flightless bird endemic to Australia, where it is the largest native bird. It is the only extant member of the genus Dromaius and the second-tallest living bird after its African ratite relative, the common ostrich. The emu’s native ranges cover most of the Australian mainland.
The common ratite species include ostriches, emus, rheas, cassowaries and kiwis.
Compare the eggs of different birds, including emu.
- Emus are the second largest bird in the world. What’s first? Why the ostrich of course!
- They can grow up to 2m tall.
- They can live between ten and twenty years in the wild.
- They are covered in soft fluffy feathers.
- They have two sets of eyelids, one for blinking and the other for keeping the dust out!
Conservation
Once hunted in the wild for their skin, feathers, meat and oil, these products are now obtained through emu farms. Although not listed as threatened by the IUCN, in Australia’s northern territories they are listed as vulnerable.
How Fast??
‘The common emu, the only survivor of several forms exterminated by settlers, is stout-bodied and long-legged like its relative the cassowary. Emus can dash away at nearly 50 km (30 miles) per hour; if cornered, they kick with their big three-toed feet. Like cassowaries and ostriches, the toe claws of emus are capable of eviscerating animals under the right conditions; however, human fatalities are extremely rare. Reports of emu attacks resulting in a range of injuries in Australia and in wild-animal parks, emu farms, and zoos across the world are not uncommon – so never get too close!!
The Emu Wars will be the topic of a seperate post.
