Cassowaries are a unique species of flightless birds that inhabit the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and parts of northeastern Australia. These large, formidable birds have gained a reputation for being one of the few bird species that can pose a significant threat to humans. Recently, a groundbreaking study has shed light on the relationship between humans and cassowaries, revealing that the early inhabitants of PNG practiced a form of animal husbandry with these birds long before the domestication of chickens.
Understanding Cassowaries
Cassowaries are part of the ratite group, which includes other flightless birds like ostriches, emus, and kiwis. Adult cassowaries stand between 5 to 6 feet tall, making them the second tallest and third heaviest living bird species, only surpassed by ostriches and emus in height and weight respectively. They are characterized by their striking appearance, with vivid blue skin on their faces and necks, a casque on top of their heads, and long, dagger-like claws on their feet. Their physical prowess and ability to defend themselves using powerful kicks make them potentially dangerous to humans and other animals when provoked.
Ancient Cassowary Husbandry in Papua New Guinea
The new study has brought to light the fact that the ancient inhabitants of Papua New Guinea had a unique relationship with cassowaries that predated the domestication of chickens by thousands of years. According to the research, cassowaries were being reared by humans in PNG approximately 18,000 years ago. This is a significant discovery, as it pushes back the known timeline of avian domestication and suggests that the practice of rearing birds for human use is much older than previously thought.
Evidence from Eggshell Remains
The evidence supporting this ancient practice of cassowary rearing comes from the analysis of eggshell remains found in the region. Researchers studied fragments of cassowary eggshells and concluded that early PNG inhabitants harvested these eggs. The selective harvesting of eggs implies a level of management and understanding of cassowary breeding habits. It is likely that the people at the time recognized the value of these birds, both as a source of food and possibly for other uses, such as for their feathers or bones.
The Significance of Cassowary Domestication
The domestication of cassowaries holds significant anthropological and historical importance. It challenges the long-held belief that chicken domestication, which occurred around 9,500 years ago, marked the beginning of bird domestication for human purposes. The findings suggest that humans in different parts of the world may have independently developed relationships with local avian species, adapting their practices to the environment and resources available to them.
Cassowaries: A Source of Sustenance and More
The rearing of cassowaries in ancient PNG likely provided a reliable source of sustenance for early human populations. The large size of cassowaries and their eggs would have made them an attractive resource for food. Additionally, these birds could have played a role in the social and cultural aspects of the communities that reared them. While the specifics of how cassowaries were integrated into the lives of these ancient people remain largely speculative, the study opens up new avenues for understanding human-animal interactions in prehistoric times.
Implications for Future Research
This new insight into the history of human-bird interactions has broad implications for our understanding of domestication processes and the development of human societies. It raises questions about the criteria for domestication and how this concept should be applied to different species and cultures. Further research into the rearing and management of cassowaries in ancient times could reveal more about the methods and motivations behind this early form of animal husbandry, providing a clearer picture of the lives of our ancestors and their ingenuity in utilizing the natural world.
