Ecosystem protection: ‘Red Neck' Ostrich is reintroduced in Tunisia 's south west
Tunis, July 2, 2008 (TunisiaOnline)--About twenty ‘Red Neck' Ostriches (Struthio camelus) have recently been reintroduced in Tunisia 's national parks of the south west in Arbata (Gafsa), Daghmous (Tozeur), and Jebil (Kebili).
Brought from the region of Agadir in Morocco the ‘red neck ostrich' also known as the ‘North African Ostrich' is one of the four sub species of the ostrich in the world.
The operation of reintroduction of this big running bird which was carried out on Tuesday by the general directorate of forests, of the Ministry of agriculture and water resources, is part of the national program of protection and preservation of endangered species.
Preserving these birds against poachers is also part of the mission of the general directorate.
This big bird can reach 2,7 meter in length and weigh up to 230 kilograms . It an omnivorous species, living in semi arid conditions and can live up to 40 years old.
Recently, the national parks of Arabata, Daghmous and Jebil witnessed the reintroduction of several other rare species, such as the Oryx and Dorcas Gazelles.
Through several texts of Tunisia 's legislation which regulate animal hunting and trade, the competent authorities were able to preserve several rare and endangered animal and vegetal species, given their role in the protection of the ecosystem and the diversification of both fauna and flora.
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