 They destroy nests and eggs of cassowaries, but their worst effect is as competitors for food, which may be catastrophic for the cassowaries during lean times.In February 2011 Cyclone Yasi destroyed a large area of cassowary habitat, endangering 200 of the birds – approximately 10% of the total Australian population.The Mission Beach community in far north Queensland holds an annual Cassowary Festival in September where funds are raised to map the Mission Beach Cassowary Corridor.