South African ostrich

Subspecies of bird

The South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis), also known as the black-necked ostrich, Cape ostrich or southern ostrich is a subspecies of the common ostrich endemic to Southern Africa. It is widely farmed for its meat, eggs and feathers.

Habitat and distribution

Male and female South African ostriches.

The South African ostrich is found in South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana.^[1] It lives in south of the rivers Zambezi and Cunene.

Threats

It is farmed for its eggs, meat, leather and feathers in the Little Karoo area of Cape Province.

References

1. Jarvis, M. J. F.; Jarvis, C.; Keffen, R. H. (1985-10-01). "Breeding seasons and laying patterns of the southern African Ostrich Struthio camelus". Ibis. 127 (4): 442–449. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1985.tb04840.x. ISSN 1474-919X.