A flightless bird with a long neck and strong legs, living in African grasslands and other open habitats.
Each foot has two toes. Adult males have black plumage and white tails, while females are mostly brown.
Common Ostriches are large African flightless birds. Their wings aid balance while powerful legs carry them through open habitats.
On 2 September 2026, eight North African Ostriches, the subspecies Struthio camelus camelus, were released in Niger’s Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve after years of managed breeding and preparation.
The programme will monitor survival, movements and eventual reproduction while protecting habitat and working with communities. Establishing a viable wild population remains the objective.
IUCN Red List (conservation institution account) · Least Concern · Global
For the North African subspecies, hunting, egg collection and habitat degradation are major pressures. Niger’s programme combines managed breeding, genetic management, release and community-linked monitoring.