Emu Factfile
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Scientific Name : Dromaius novaehollandiae
World Distribution
Emus are found in all parts of Australia except for the rainforest in the extreme north.
Habitat
They are not all that fussy, living quite happily in grassland, scrub, or forest. They do need a souce of fresh drinking water, however, as they must drink daily. A typical emu habitat would be a stretch of open grassland with widely spaced bushes and trees, and perhaps a nearby lake.
Feeding
Emus feed mainly on plant foods, preferring the juicy, nutritious parts of the plant like fruits, young shoots and flowers. They refuse to eat dry old leaves and grass even when very hungry. They occasionally eat insects or other small creatures, too, and are said to be very fond of caterpillars.
Predators
Adult emus can outrun most enemies, but the chicks are sometimes eaten by eagles, dingos or domestic cats and dogs. Emu chicks are stripey when they first hatch, which helps to camouflage them in the grass.
Breeding
The "Best Father Award" of the natural world must surely go to the male emu. As soon as the female has laid the eggs (usually 9-12) he sits on them for eight weeks, not even leaving them to eat and drink (in fact he loses a great deal of weight at this time). He then cares for the chicks for at least six months and usually much longer, teaching them how to find food. Scientists have found that emu chicks reared away from their father do not know how to eat.