A subspecies of the common ostrich is the North African ostrich. It is one of the most well-known subspecies in the world and the largest subspecies of the common ostrich, which is the largest living bird. It can be found throughout West and North Africa as well as worldwide zoo breeding and conservation initiatives.
Quick Facts about North African Ostrich
| Breed Name: | North African Ostrich (S. camelus camelus) |
| Place of Origin: | Africa |
| Uses: | Meat, egg, leather, feathers, captive breeding programs |
| Rooster (Male) Size: | 6.9 to 9 ft and 220 to 300 lbs |
| Hens (Female) Size: | 5.7 to 6.2 ft and 198 to 242 lbs |
| Color: | Black with white feathers (male), brown or gray (female) |
| Lifespan: | 30 to 40 years, 50 in captivity |
| Climate Tolerance: | Hot, dry climates |
| Care Level: | Difficult |
| Production: | High |
North African Ostrich Origins
The North African Ostrich was born in Africa, much like every other ostrich subspecies. It used to have a vast variety, but populations have decreased in many places. There are several ostrich subspecies, or races, but the North African subspecies is the biggest and best-known.
Its population has probably decreased as a result of habitat loss and poaching. The Dghoumes and Sidi Toui National Parks, as well as the Orbata Faunal Reserve, have all shown success with breeding and reintroducing North African ostriches. Small populations may still exist in Chad, Cameroon, Senegal, and the Central African Republic, where it is otherwise extinct in the wilds of Tunisia and several other regions of Africa.
North African Ostrich Characteristics
The North African Ostrich is a huge bird with a wingspan of up to 9 feet and a weight of up to 300 pounds, like other ostriches. Female roosters are gray or brown, whereas roosters are black with white feathers on their wings, necks, and tails. Pinkish crimson and bare, the necks and legs are.
Ostriches from North Africa can be belligerent and have bad tempers, especially if they feel threatened. Even in captivity, they have a tendency to be unpredictable and possessive. During the breeding season, they also compete for partners and could become more dangerous.
Uses
Ostriches are raised for their meat, eggs, leather, and feathers, though the North African Ostrich is less frequently used for these purposes. It is prohibited to keep this subspecies in captivity, whether for farming purposes or as a pet. It is also listed as highly endangered.
Ostrich farming should also be left to qualified experts. Ostrich domestication hasn’t been very successful because these big, violent birds only get worse as they age. Only a small number of ostrich farms still operate in the US due to the unstable markets for the birds’ feathers, meat, skins, and eggs.
Appearance & Varieties
Ostriches from North Africa don’t come in any different shades or breeds. The wings, throat, and tail of the males have thick, black feathers with white tips, and they are always larger. Always brown or gray in color and smaller than the males, the females are.
Different populations of ostriches, which were long thought to be separate species, gave rise to the North African Ostrich subspecies. These populations are now recognized by experts as races or subspecies, such as the North African Ostrich. They all belong to the same general ostrich species, however.
Population/Distribution/Habitat
From western to northeastern Africa, one can find the North African Ostrich. The native range of this species used to extend from Ethiopia and Sudan in the east to Senegal and Mauritania in the west, south to Morocco, and north to Egypt, but vast areas of this range have been lost to extinction.
Although the introduced North African Ostriches in Israel thrive in semi-desert environments, plains, and grasslands, this adaptive bird can also be seen on savannahs and in wide fields. Some sources claim that the severely endangered North African ostrich is protected by the Sahara Conservation Fund.
Are North African Ostriches Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Ostriches can be farmed on a small scale for meat, eggs, or leather, although North African Ostriches are often exclusively found in zoos. The majority of the time, they are maintained as breeding populations for reintroduction and conservation efforts.
The most well-known ostrich subspecies is the North African Ostrich. Like other ostrich subspecies, it is native to Africa but has been pushed to extinction in some regions due to habitat degradation and hunting. Currently, there are just a few populations remaining in various regions of western and northern Africa. Through captive breeding programs and reintroduction initiatives, wild populations are being attempted to be rebuilt in wildlife reserves and national parks.
Credit for the Main Image: Sergey Kosachev, Shutterstock
