Habitat

Ostriches are such a unique species, so they have a unique habitat as well!  In nature, the ostrich is found only in Africa.  Specifically, in Eastern or southern parts of Africa.  They can also be found in the Sahara desert.

                               

The ostrich likes open, dry grasslands.  Their epidermis, body build, and body characteristics allow them to survive in these extreme habitats.  Check out the adaptations that the ostrich has done to ensure survival.  Some of the adaptations entail thick eyelashes to protect them from sand storms that are encountered with living in these regions.  They also have a layer of soft feathers to provide a "downy coat" for if the temperatures become cold. 

   

The ostrich is nomadic- meaning it does not stay in one place for very long.  It will stay in a place as long as it has food readily available to it.  The other major factor for an ostrich to stay in a location is for a water source.  These birds will not stray too far from a major water source.  Researchers have discovered that an ostrich needs up to a gallon and a half a day to survive! That is a lot of liquid!

This ecological niche is shared by other African animals, including some predators, but mainly other grazers like giraffes, gazelles, and antelope.  Learn more about how the ostrich interacts with these other animals.

This habitat is not only the home to our ostrich friend, but also a plethora of other organisms. While this type of environment is under protection, humans have caused great destruction to this part of the world, along with many other habitats.  We need to be more careful to ensure these endangered animals and other species continue living in their natural habitats!

The ostrich can also be seen in captivity. Almost every zoo will have an ostrich specimen for viewers to be amazed by. 

Check out the Honolulu Zoo website for more information about the ostrich!