After more than 20 years absent from the wild in Niger, the North African ostrich is reintroduced into its natural habitat
Press release – Eight ostriches released in the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve mark a historic milestone for biodiversity restoration in Niger.
Gadabedji, Niger – September 8 2026. After more than twenty years absent from the wild in Niger, the North African ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus) has returned to its natural habitat. On September 2, eight ostriches (five females and three males) were released into the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve (GBR), where the species had not been observed in the wild since 1955. This first reintroduction marks a new milestone in efforts to restore the North African ostrich, an emblematic species of the Sahara and Sahel. It opens a new phase of the conservation program, with the aim of progressively establishing a viable wild population of these birds in Niger.
A historic moment for biodiversity in Niger
The day before the release, a workshop brought together the main stakeholders involved in North African ostrich conservation in Niger to validate the species conservation action plan. This step established a common framework to support its protection, monitoring and sustainable return to the wild in Niger.
Le 2 septembre, autorités, partenaires, représentants des services techniques, autorités administratives et coutumières ainsi que de nombreux membres de la population se sont retrouvés à Gadabedji pour assister au relâcher. Parmi les personnalités présentes figuraient notamment le Directeur général des Eaux et Forêts, le Gouverneur de la région de Maradi, le Préfet de Bermo ainsi que les Administrateurs délégués de Bermo et de Gadabedji.
Hassane Mahamane, Conservator of the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve, said: “The ceremony bringing us together this morning is not only about releasing ostriches into the wild; it also marks a long-awaited return after more than 50 years. Half a century ago, the North African ostrich, also known as the red-necked ostrich, disappeared from this ecosystem [the GBR] due to a range of natural and human-induced factors. This triumphant return of the world’s largest and most majestic bird is the culmination of a long process involving hard work, exceptional expertise and considerable resources.”
Issoufou Mamane, Governor of the Maradi Region, said: “For several decades, poaching, chronic drought and habitat loss pushed this majestic species to the brink of extinction in our country. This reintroduction of ostriches, following the giraffe translocations carried out in 2018 and 2022, is the result of a vision driven by the highest authority in our country, under the leadership of His Excellency General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, and His Excellency Ali Mahamane Lamine Zene, Prime Minister.”
At 2:02 p.m., after more than twenty years absent from the wild in Niger, the first North African ostriches once again set foot in the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve as free-ranging birds. The moment was marked by the symbolic ribbon-cutting by the Governor of the Maradi Region and the Director General of Water and Forests. Watched by guests and members of the local community gathered for this historic moment, the eight ostriches left their enclosure and took their first steps into their natural environment.
Dr Maimounatou Ibrahim Mamadou, Sahara Conservation’s Ostrich Site Manager, said before opening the enclosures: “It is an immense honor to witness this moment, which is the culmination of many years of work and perseverance. Seeing these ostriches return to their natural habitat today is deeply moving. I would like to thank everyone who, directly or indirectly, helped make this return possible.”
A species absent from the wild in Niger since 2004
The North African ostrich, also known as the red-necked ostrich, once occupied a vast area across the Sahara and Sahel. Hunting, egg collection and habitat degradation caused its populations to decline rapidly. Niger’s last wild ostrich disappeared in 2004 in the Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve. In Niger, the species is fully protected under national law and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. A national conservation strategy has been in place since 2016. Updated in 2026, it provides the strategic framework guiding implementation of conservation activities in the field.
Years of preparation
The return of the North African ostrich to the GBR is the result of many years of work. In Niger, conservation of the species is based on a national captive-breeding program designed to progressively rebuild a viable population in the wild.
Dozens of ostriches whose genetic origins are known and confirmed through laboratory testing are now distributed across several breeding sites, including Iférouane (Agadez Region), Kellé (Zinder Region) and Mainé-Soroa (Diffa Region). The contribution of private breeding-site managers has been crucial in maintaining an ostrich population in Niger and making their return to the wild possible today.
For many years, Sahara Conservation has actively contributed to efforts to conserve and breed the species, notably through the management of the Kellé and Mainé-Soroa sites in partnership with the Nigerien authorities. These efforts include improving breeding success, breeding infrastructure, transfers between sites, feeding and veterinary care, as well as managing genetic diversity.
Gadabedji, a pilot site for wildlife restoration
The GBR was selected as the pilot site for this first reintroduction. Part of the North African ostrich’s historical range, it was chosen as the starting point for reintroduction activities within a broader wildlife restoration program, following the giraffe translocations carried out in 2018 and 2022.
The success of a reintroduction also depends on habitat protection, monitoring of individual animals and the support of communities living around the protected area. In collaboration with the GBR Protected Area Management Unit and local administrative and traditional authorities, Sahara Conservation recently carried out an awareness campaign with local communities. Nearly 260 people from nine villages took part in information meetings about the North African ostrich, its ecological role, the objectives of the reintroduction and behaviors that can support sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
The eight ostriches released on September 2 form the first founder group.
Teams will now monitor the birds to assess their adaptation to their new environment, survival, movements and, in time, reproduction. The aim is to progressively establish a viable wild population capable of sustaining itself in the GBR and contributing to the long-term return of the species across its historical range in Niger.
“The true measure of our success will not simply be the number of birds released today, but their ability to survive, adapt, reproduce and, ultimately, establish a viable wild population,” said Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou, Sahara Conservation Country Representative in Niger.
A collective effort
The long-term success of species conservation depends on strong partnerships and their ability to endure over time. The return of the North African ostrich to Niger is the result of several years of effort and collective mobilization. It is built on close collaboration between the Nigerien authorities, protected-area managers, local communities, private stakeholders, scientific experts, conservation organizations, and technical and financial partners.
This new milestone is notably part of the project “Conservation and sustainable management of the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve and associated landscapes for the benefit of nature and local communities” (NaturA Niger), co-funded by the European Union. The project contributes to the restoration of threatened species, stronger protected-area management and support for neighboring communities.
“For Sahara Conservation, the return of the North African ostrich to Niger represents far more than a reintroduction operation. It illustrates what we can achieve when institutions, communities, private stakeholders, scientific teams and conservation organizations work together over the long term,” said Dr Tim Woodfine, Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Conservation.
