The return of the North African ostrich to Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve
The subspecies of ostrich existing in Chad is known as North African ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus) and its range spans from the Atlantic coast to Eritrea and northern Uganda.
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Historically, this species was present in both the Saharan and the Sudano-Sahelian regions. In the Saharan area, the ostrich was found up to the Eguei region on the border between Kanem and Borkou, passing through Ouadi Aouach and Ennedi, to the edges of the Mourdi Depression (Depierre, 1968). In northern Chad, the ostrich population was estimated to number more than 1,500 individuals (Depierre, 1968). The ostriches recently observed in the Ennedi (African Parks Network, 2018) are the last existing individuals in the Saharan region and probably count less than a dozen animals.
The ostrich reintroduction program set up in Chad by Sahara Conservation, in partnership with African Parks Network (APN), consists in translocating ostrich chicks from Zakouma National Park and reintroducing them into Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve (ENCR) and Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve (OROAFR).
The aim of these translocations is to recreate viable populations through captive breeding in enclosures, and releasing translocated ostriches into the wild once they have reached a suitable age, approximately 16-18 months. The translocated ostriches therefore spend around 16 months in enclosures located in the concerned reserves, and are then released to breed and create a new population. They are fitted with transmitters, making it possible for the team to track their movements for a defined time, to facilitate their monitoring and ensure their protection.
In March 2020, a first group of 34 ostrich chicks (aged between 2 weeks and 2 months) was translocated and divided in half between the two reserves. One year later, in March 2021, the operation was repeated for a second group of 29 ostrich chicks (aged between one week and 2 months).
One of the key steps in the reintroduction process is the vaccination of the ostriches against common diseases that can affect their health and development.
On their arrival, the ostrich chicks followed a vaccination program against Clostridium (Covexion) and Newcastle’s disease (Etanew). Some of the ostrich chicks carried tapeworms and were treated with Zentel. Unfortunately, two ostrich chicks in RNCE died from this parasite burden.
To identify individuals, a numbered metal ring was clipped on their wing, allowing us to match the individuals with feather samples taken for DNA analysis. However, these rings proved to be unsuitable as the ostriches grew and we had to remove them.
Ostrich chicks are very fragile for their first three months, so they were treated with a great deal of care including trying to teach them to eat and drink. To help solidify their bones, we grew a small portion of alfalfa in the pen. The ostrich chicks pick at the leaves, making movements that help them develop the suppleness of their legs. The enclosures were disinfected daily to prevent any possible contamination between individuals. At nightfall, the larger individual ostriches are separated from the smaller ones to avoid them trampling each other.
In order to track their growth, a calibrated iron bar is attached near the water trough providing a means to regularly measure their growth. Monthly weigh-ins also made it possible to assess their weight for the first three months in captivity. The team caring for the ostrich chicks received monitoring and advice from a panel of seasoned veterinarians.
To deepen our knowledge of their eating habits, the enclosure’s team of keepers makes daily observations. We thus noticed that the ostrich chicks in the enclosures appreciate much Balanites aegyptiaca and Citrullus colocynthis leaves and fruit, along with Bracharia deflexa seeds.
Ahead of the reintroduction process, a team made up of members of Sahara Conservation and APN followed practical training on the composition of the diet of ostrich chicks in captivity. The calculation of the food rations for the ostrich chicks from 15 days to 10 months old was based on the availability of the different ingredients existing in Chad.
Conservation efforts for the North African ostrich are bearing fruit
For the first time in 50 years, this majestic bird has bred in its natural environment. The first ostriches have just been born in the Ouadi Rimé Ouadi Achim faunal reserve, and although these chicks are still fragile, this is an important step in the reintroduction of the species.
We will continue to monitor their development closely, taking care of their diet and environment. When the chicks are big enough, we will be able to release the family into the wild, where they will join the individuals already released in 2021 and 2022.
Firmin Dingamtebeye
Basecamp logistics manager
SAHARA CONSERVATION
