At 2.5 meters (8 feet.) tall Ostriches are the largest and most massive bird. The ostrich’s massive weight, up to 145 pounds (320 pounds. ) is a barrier to the bird from flying. The ostrich, however, has special abilities that allow it to adapt well to life in the desert, savanna and open forests of southern and central Africa.The ostrich has muscles that stretch for a long time and are designed to run. In contrast to other birds that have four or three toes, ostriches are blessed with only two toes on each of their feet which allow for faster speed.
They can run at speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph) and maintain constant speeds up to 50km/h (31 miles per hour). One step can stretch three to five meters (10-16 feet.)! If they are faced with threats, ostriches will usually beat other animals that pose an imminent threat.If fleeing the scene impossible, the ostriches utilize their leg muscles to kick. With a 10-cm (4-in.) talon per foot, their downward kicks could be extremely harmful to predators.
Conservation Status
Ostriches in the early 18th century had been almost extinct due to hunting, as their feathers were extremely fashionable in women’s clothes. In the late nineteenth century, many people were cultivating Ostriches. Farmers could simply take the feathers off their domestic birds, without killing them.Ostriches are currently classified as a species of low concern according to the IUCN Red List. They are found in a wide range but their numbers are decreasing. They are under threat from the loss of habitat due to the development of agriculture and human activity. They are also hunted for feathers, skin eggs, meat and fat.Since the ostrich is known for its long neck with a eyes that protrude outward, surrounded by long , wavy lashes it’s been compared to a camel. (Its scientific title is Struthio camelus!) But the similarities don’t stop there. Ostriches also can withstand extreme temperatures and can go for lengthy periods of time without water, typically getting enough water from the plants they consume.
Their diet is primarily composed of leaves, roots and seeds. However, ostriches are omnivores and will consume anything that is available. Sometimes , they eat snakes, insects, lizards and rodents. They also ingest pebbles and sand which helps to grind their food inside their gizzards, which is a special muscle-filled stomach. Because ostriches are able grinding food items, they are able to take in food items which other animals are unable to digest.
White Birds
What you Can Do to Help
If you’d like to assist Ostriches, you could promote the tourism of wildlife in Africa. This promotes conservation of land and creating jobs for local communities. Donate to groups such as that of the African Wildlife Foundation that helps fund eco-tourism projects in the region.Since the ostrich has an long neck with a protruding eyes that are surrounded with long eyelashes it’s been compared to a camels. (Its scientific designation is Struthio camelus!) However, the similarities don’t stop there. Ostriches are also able to withstand high temperatures and can go for prolonged periods without water, typically getting enough water from the plants they consume.
Their diet is primarily composed of leaves, roots, and seeds. Ostriches can eat anything available. Sometimes , they eat snakes, insects, lizards and rodents. They also consume pebbles and sand, which helps grind the food they eat in their gizzard, which is a specially stomach that is muscular. Since ostriches possess the ability of grinding their food into a fine powder, they have the ability to take in food items which other animals are unable to digest.In most cases, groups of ostriches feed amid the giraffes or zebras and Antelopes. Their presence is important since they warn other animals of danger close.Ostriches typically live in groups of around 10 with an dominant male and dominant female. The dominant male protects the territory. The warning roar is powerful and loud. From a distance it could be misinterpreted for the roar of a lion. Ostriches are also known to hiss to indicate their displeasure.
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