The ostrich is not only a symbol of African fauna, but also a bird with extraordinary adaptability, playing a key role in ecosystems and contributing significantly to the human economy. However, its future in some regions is at risk.

The African ostrich (Struthio camelus) is not only the largest and fastest bird in the world, but also one of the most iconic creatures of the continent’s fauna. With its imposing stature, long legs adapted for running, and surprising resistance to extreme conditions, the ostrich has always fascinated humans, becoming the protagonist of myths, trade, and conservation programs.
Today, as its ecological importance is being rediscovered, the challenges related to the survival of the species are becoming increasingly pressing. The ostrich can reach 2.7 meters in height and weigh 150 kilograms. Although its wings do not allow it to fly, they are essential for balance while running and visual communication between individuals.

The ostrich’s vision and long neck help it spot predators from far away. Pixabay

Capable of reaching speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, the ostrich is a true sprinter, able to cover up to five metres in a single step. Its extraordinary speed makes it almost unbeatable in the open terrain of the African savannahs and deserts. No other biped can compete with this giant, whose sprint is comparable to that of a racehorse. Another unique feature is its eyes, the largest of land animals, with a diameter of about five centimetres. Thanks to its exceptional vision and its long neck that acts as a natural periscope, the ostrich can spot predators from a great distance, anticipating any attacks.

They lay the largest eggs in the animal kingdom. Pixabay

The legend that the ostrich hides its head in the sand is unfounded: in reality, if threatened, it can crouch to the ground to camouflage itself or, when necessary, deliver powerful kicks capable of killing even a lion. Although it feeds mainly on plants, seeds and fruits, the ostrich can also eat insects, small vertebrates and even sand and stones, which help it digest its food. Ostriches often live in social groups led by a dominant female. During the breeding season, males engage in spectacular duels, displaying elaborate dances and wing flaps to win over mates. The winning male builds a communal nest, a simple hole dug in the sand, where several females lay their eggs, the largest in the animal kingdom, which can weigh more than a kilo and a half, the equivalent of about 24 chicken eggs. Incubation is a shared task: the females incubate during the day, taking advantage of their camouflage plumage, while the males take the night shift, providing greater protection from predators.

Difficult relations with humans
The ostrich has always fascinated human civilisations. In Ancient Egypt, its feathers symbolised justice and purity and were used in religious rites. The Romans appreciated its meat, while in the Middle Ages, its eggs were kept in churches as symbols of resurrection. With the colonial era and industrialisation, the ostrich became an economic resource.
The 19th-century fashion boom, with the growing use of feathers for hats and clothes, gave impetus to breeding, especially in South Africa, which is now the world’s leading producer of ostrich meat, skin and eggs. Its skin is considered a luxury material for bags and shoes,
while its lean, protein-rich meat has found its way
into the health food markets.

During the breeding season, males engage in spectacular duels to win over mates. Pixabay

Despite its ability to adapt to the driest environments, the African ostrich is facing increasingly serious threats. Hunting, habitat loss and poaching have led to the decline of wild populations.
The North African subspecies (Struthio camelus camelus), once found from Morocco to Sudan, is now critically endangered, with very few individuals left in the wild. Several conservation initiatives are trying
to reverse the trend. In Namibia and South Africa, private reserves and national parks protect wild ostriches, while reintroduction programmes are underway in Tunisia and Morocco. Ecotourism is playing an increasingly important role in their conservation: observing ostriches in their natural habitat not only raises awareness among visitors but also creates economic opportunities for local communities, who are therefore less inclined to support poaching.
In addition to conserving wild populations, ostrich farming is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative in the food and fashion industries. Ostrich meat, which is low in fat and cholesterol, is increasingly in demand in Europe and North America.

South Africa versus Nigeria challenge
South Africa is home to the highest concentration of ostrich farms in the world, producing about 70% of the products related to this animal. At the heart of this industry is Oudtshoorn, a city in the Western Cape Province, considered the ostrich capital of the world. Here, technologically advanced farms manage a constantly growing sector, although not without risks. “Ostrich farming,” those responsible for the South African Ostrich Business Chamber, an association that brings together operators in the sector, explain, “is an industry that requires large amounts of capital. A week-old chick costs on average between 50 and 80 euros, while a larger specimen can reach 100-200. A particularly valuable female can be worth up to 500 euros”.

South Africa remains the world leader in ostrich farming. Pixabay

Numerous products are obtained from ostriches. The main one is meat, visually similar to beef fillet but with a delicate flavour and a slightly sweet aftertaste reminiscent of horse meat. It is sold both fresh and in the form of fillets, dried meat or sausages.
The eggs, which weigh between 1.2 and 1.7 kilos, are also widely used: in the kitchen, for the preparation of fresh pasta and desserts, and in the decorative field, thanks to their white and shiny surface. Equally popular are the skins and feathers, which are widely used in the production of luxury bags, shoes and wallets. In recent years, South Africa has begun to feel the competition from Nigeria, where the government is encouraging investment in the sector to gain a slice of this expanding market. “South Africa,” economic analysts state, “will remain the world leader in ostrich farming, but its share of global production is set to decline in the next decade.” (Open Photo: Ostrich running across the savannah. 123rf)

Britney Ackerman/Africa