The emu is Australia’s tallest native bird and the second-largest bird in the world, capable of sprinting across the landscape at speeds of up to 50 km/h on its powerful legs. Found across much of the country, emus roam grasslands, woodlands and deserts in search of seeds, fruits and insects. In a twist on the usual parenting roles, it’s the dad who does the hard yards — the male incubates the eggs for nearly two months and then raises the chicks on his own. Protecting large, connected landscapes is important for these wide-ranging birds, and organisations like Bush Heritage Australia work to conserve the habitats they depend on. An emu’s legs are so strong they can take strides up to three metres long — which explains why trying to keep up with one on foot is a losing game.