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South Africa produces about 70% of global ostrich products, [4] with the industry largely centered around the town of Oudtshoorn. Ostrich leather is a lucrative commodity, and the large feathers are used as plumes for the decoration of ceremonial headgear. Ostrich eggs and meat have been used by humans for millennia.
Ostriches live in sub-Saharan Africa.There are two ostrich species: the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is typically found in southern and eastern Africa, while the Somali ostrich (Struthio ...
The common ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird. Males stand 2.1 to 2.75 m (6 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) tall and weigh 100 to 130 kg (220 to 290 lb), whereas females are about 1.75 to 1.9 m (5 ft 9 in to 6 ft 3 in) tall and weigh 90 to 120 kg (200 to 260 lb). [20]
Ostrich farming in North America began in the late 19th century, initially focusing on the production of feathers, which were highly prized for fashion accessories. [3] The first ostrich farm was established by Charles Sketchley in California where the climate was similar to the ostriches' native habitat in Africa. [ 4 ]
The group took custody of several dozen animals, including a five-month-old, female South American ostrich — or lesser rhea — named Eddy found in the crowded basement.
The largest dimensions found in this species are an approximate head-to-tail length of 1.44 m (4.7 ft) and a wingspan of 3.65 m (12.0 ft). The largest bird of all time was likely the elephant bird Aepyornis maximus , which was estimated to have weighed 275–1,000 kilograms (610–2,200 lb) and stood at 3 metres (9.8 ft) tall.
Ostrich farming grew out of this need, and humans harvested feathers, hides, eggs, and meat from the ostrich. Emu farming also became popular for similar reasons and for their emu oil. Rhea feathers are popular for dusters, and eggs and meat are used for chicken and pet feed in South America. Ratite hides are popular for leather products like ...
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