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The wild ostrich (Struthio camelus): a review

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Abstract

The aim of the current report was to study the literature pertinent to wild populations of ostriches and their ecological and behavioural adaptations in the wild. Selected areas included palaeontology; ostrich distribution; conservation status and relationships with humans and habitat. There is an immediate and urgent need to conserve and protect the apparently rapidly declining populations of wild ostriches with the committed involvement of governments and funding bodies. Wildlife management is an important complement to the farming of livestock. Scientists need to understand the elements of ostrich behaviour in the wild in order to make informed decisions on their management and contact with other animals. Information of the like should be included in readily-accessible and annually updated wildlife manuals. We deemed that such information was an essential part in the conservation of this dwindling ratite.

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Acknowledgements

The assistance of Dr.’s M. Tisljar and H. Lambrechts, and Ms. D. Koen is thanked. In southern Sudan, the 2007 aerial ostrich survey was completed by Dr.'s J.M. Fay and P. Elkan, and Mr. M. Marjan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physiology Division, Birmingham City University, 704 Baker Building, Franchise Street, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2SU, UK

    R. G. Cooper

  2. Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44111, Sharkia, Egypt

    Kh. M. A. Mahrose

  3. Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Postepu 1, 05-552, Wolka, Kosowska, Poland

    J. O. Horbańczuk

  4. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Apdo Postal 940, Torreón Coah, México

    R. Villegas-Vizcaíno

  5. Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture de Mograne, 1121, Mograne, Zaghouan, Tunisie

    S. Kennou Sebei

  6. Ministry of Science & Technology, Animal Resources Research Corporation, Wild Life Research Centre, Khartoum, Sudan

    A. E. Faki Mohammed

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  1. R. G. Cooper
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  3. J. O. Horbańczuk
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  6. A. E. Faki Mohammed
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Correspondence to R. G. Cooper.

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Cooper, R.G., Mahrose, K.M.A., Horbańczuk, J.O. et al. The wild ostrich (Struthio camelus): a review. Trop Anim Health Prod 41, 1669–1678 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9364-1

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