Wild ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) reproduction in Orbata, a nature reserve in Tunisia

The aim of the current investigation was to determine wild ostrich reproductive behaviour in Orbata Nature Reserve by observing 16 hens and 28 cocks over a seven-year period. Intense laying commenced in January, one month after the cessation of the rainy season, and 92% of the eggs were produced dur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tropical animal health and production 2009-10, Vol.41 (7), p.1427-1438
Main Authors: Kennou Sebei, S, Bergaoui, R, Hamouda, M. Ben, Cooper, R. G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Wild
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Clutch Size
Conservation of Natural Resources - statistics & numerical data
Dry season
Eggs
Environment
Environmental factors
Female
Life Sciences
Male
Models, Statistical
Observation
Original Paper
Rainy season
Reproduction - physiology
Seasons
Struthio camelus
Struthioniformes - physiology
Tunisia
Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science
Wildlife management
Zoology
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Summary:The aim of the current investigation was to determine wild ostrich reproductive behaviour in Orbata Nature Reserve by observing 16 hens and 28 cocks over a seven-year period. Intense laying commenced in January, one month after the cessation of the rainy season, and 92% of the eggs were produced during the dry season (January to May, peaking in March). Over the seven years, 1,322 eggs were laid in 69 nests, which corresponded to an annual average production of 19.2 ± 9.1 eggs/nest and 11.8 eggs/hen. 24 nests (34.78%) were non-brooded, 17 nests (24.64%) were deserted in the course of incubation, and 28 nests (40.58%) possessed hatched eggs. All the non-incubated nests had egg losses equivalent to 46.6 ± 12.6%. Hatchability success of incubated eggs was 41.9 ± 12.0%. Ostriches tended to dig their nests adjacent to the reserve enclosure which had direct access by road and track, the latter subjecting them to human disturbance and predation. The systematic obstruction of these nests stimulated ostriches to build additional nests within the reserve perimeter. The authors discussed the results recorded in an ostrich flock in relation to the environmental factors (climatic factors, food disponibility and predation) and suggested possibilities for improved wildlife management.
ISSN:0049-4747
1573-7438
DOI:10.1007/s11250-009-9331-x