Conservationists working to protect cassowaries in north Queensland are worried the species' numbers have dropped to an all-time low.

The birds have survived for 80 million years in the region and are known as the dinosaurs of the rainforest.

But Jennifer Croes from Rainforest Rescue says it is estimated there is fewer than 1,000 that remain in the wild.

"All of the changes that have happened, it's managed to adapt," she said.

"But the biggest challenge now is surviving in a modern world with us, humans."

Ms Croes says the biggest threat to the birds is a loss of habitat, caused by development and cyclones.

Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell agrees the low numbers are concern.

"We saw a lot of them seeking feed in urban areas because their feed in their rainforest habitat was decimated by the cyclone [Yasi]," he said.

Ms Croes says when the animals venture into urban areas, they are often hit by cars as they are crossing roads.

Cassowary crossing the road near Etty Bay in north Queensland in March 2014. ( ABC News: Allyson Horn )

She has asked the Queensland Government to reduce the speed limits around Mission Beach, north of Townsville, from 80 kilometres per hour, to 60 kilometres per hour.

Mr Powell says other options, like building a crossing passage under roads, is being considered by the State Government.

"That has been presented to the Minister for Main Roads, Scott Emerson," he said.

"I understand Minister Emerson is considering it."

Local Aboriginal elders are also playing a role in cassowary conservation.

Claude Beeron is a senior Girrayma elder, who says the local people are upset about the dwindling numbers.

"Nearly all my people around Murray Upper are very sad for cassowary because we don't see them like we used to normally," he said.

Mr Beeron will contribute local knowledge, to help Indigenous rangers track cassowary movements and preserve habitats.

Girringun Aboriginal ranger Whitney Rassip says she wants to start a monitoring database, that will provide better information on where the cassowaries live.

"When we look at the cassowary, we can feel that connection to our country in which it roams," she said.

Cassowary in bush near Mission Beach in north Queensland in March 2014 ( ABC News: Allyson Horn )

"Girringun represents nine rainforest groups, who are, most of them have a strong connection to the cassowary.

"It's such a significant animal for us."

Rainforest Rescue is also launching a public awareness campaign.

Ms Croes says by raising the cassowaries' profile, more people will get involved in their protection and survival.

"More than anything it's just to be aware and to feel privileged enough that they're living amongst a rainforest dinosaur," she said.