Ostrich hunting in Namibia

Ostrich is found throughout Namibia. This giant flightless bird has long legs and can attain a running speed of over 45mph. Their eyesight is extremely good and their brain is smaller than their eyeball. Males are pitch black with white primaries and tail feathers compared to the dull grey females. Ostriches are very protective of their nests and will attack anyone coming near the nesting site. The only way to protect yourself is to use a thorn bush as a shield. Beware, they pack a powerful kick and have sharp toenails that can do some bad damage. To avoid getting hurt, the best is to lie flat on the ground if attacked. The seed stock for the majority of Ostriches found in the USA originated from Namibia when Ostrich farming was all the craze. Having no teeth, these birds ingest stones or pebbles to help masticate their food in the gizzard. The gizzard is normally claimed by the PH, especially in known diamond-bearing areas where one bird’s gizzard content was found to contain 63 diamonds. They make an interesting trophy, some are hunted for their leather and their meat is also sought after table delicacy. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special permits are required to hunt an Ostrich.