SCF implements this groundbreaking project in partnership with:

• AZA Ratite Taxon Advisory Group (USA)
• CERNK – Cooperative for the Exploitation of the Natural Resources of Koutous (Niger)
• GAGE-Azihar (Niger)
• Ministry of the Environment (Niger)

Funding and technical support for the project is generously provided by the following institutions:

• AZA Conservation Endowment Fund (USA)
• Compagnie des Alpes / Planète Sauvage (France)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom (USA)
• Exotic Wildlife Association (USA)
• Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) (France)
• Mulhouse Zoo (France)
• Musée Nationale du Niger (Niger)
• John Ball Zoo (USA)
• St Louis Zoo (USA)
• Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (USA)
• Houston Zoo (Zoos & Aquariums Caring for Conservation - ZACC) (USA)
• Zoological Society of San Diego (USA)

Critically endangered desert race

The North African ostrich (Struthio c. camelus) is one of four extant sub-species of ostrich. It alone inhabits the harsh environment of the Sahara and bordering Sahel. A century ago this race of ostrich inhabited the entire periphery of the Sahara both north and south, a total of 18 countries; today its range has been reduced to just six. Even within the borders of these states it struggles to survive the challenges of growing habitat loss and unsustainable off-take. The North African ostrich is critically endangered and without urgent conservation action may soon follow its cousin the Arabian ostrich into extinction.

Grassroots approach

Inspired by local conservationists in the Aïr Mountains of northern Niger, who were protecting the last of Niger’s ostriches in captivity, the Sahara Conservation Fund launched an international appeal to save this unique population and return the ostrich to the wild. This project is a model-in-the-making of participatory, grassroots conservation and a catalyst for the conservation of other endangered species. It demonstrates and reinforces the fundamental relationship required between successful conservation action and the local people that drive, implement and sustain it. Long-term success depends on empowering and building the capacity of local communities to look after their natural resources and this project is as much about achieving this as it is about saving an endangered species . They are intrinsically linked.

Conservation in action

To date the Sahara Conservation Fund and its partners have made significant advances in ostrich conservation. This includes:

• Survey of the ostrich in captivity in Niger
• Construction of new enclosures
• Advice on ostrich husbandry
• Genetic and health analysis of the local ostrich population
• Operation of an incubator
• Funds for ostrich food and supplements

In November 2008 SCF began working with a local wildlife cooperative – CERNK – to provide technical support and an improved ration to the ostriches they hold. During the two previous years these ostriches failed to produce any viable offspring. However, after an adjustment and recuperation period three female ostriches produced 49 eggs in 6 weeks. SCF has also assisted other local owners, including Niger’s National Zoo with their ostrich breeding.

The project is working to establish a proper ostrich breeding center in the village of Kellé in the east of the country. It is here CERNK has a small breeding facility. In collaboration with the project, CERNK will make its facilities and staff available to SCF. SCF will expand the centre’s infrastructure and train the local staff in ostrich husbandry. Through this unique partnership the project expects to produce enough ostriches for an initial release into the wild within the next three years. In cooperation with Niger’s Environment Ministry, release sites will be selected in existing game reserves.

In preparation for the release of ostriches, SCF is working with its partners to develop education and awareness programs. Teams of local wildlife monitors will also be formed to follow the released ostrich and ensure conditions are optimal for their survival and return to the wild.