Eventually, the long, barbed vine-like part grows to an inch or more in diameter, the thorns drop off, and the result is the rattan from which chairs were made in the 70s. The green ants apparently did not keep the mosquitoes away, because after the rainforest walk we were covered with bites. I had more than 75 bites on my left leg alone. The Cassowary, a large, flightless bird that's a member of the most primitive group of living birds, including the ostrich, rhea, and kiwi. The male of this species incubates eggs and cares for the young.
Cassowaries are in danger of becoming extinct because of habitat loss.
Local experts say recent reports of increased Cassowary population are significantly overstated. In addition to extinction, of course, deforestation results in soil erosion, air and water pollution, accelerated greenhouse effect, water shortages, and flooding. So please don't buy tropical hardwoods, use less paper, eat less red meat, plant a tree, call or write your legislators, practice responsible eco-tourism, and remember rainforests in your will. If so, please fill in the following form. Our Editor will select the best entries and post them on the site.