As a flightless species in the rich bio zone of the African savannah, the ostrich must face a variety of predators during its life.
Animals that prey on ostriches of all ages include cheetahs, lions, leopards, African hunting dogs, and spotted hyena. Ostriches are the fastest two-legged animal in the world though and often outrun their predators in pursuit. Only the cheetah is faster than an ostrich and hence the cheetah is the most prolific predator of adult ostriches. The other predators will try to ambush an unsuspecting bird using obstructing vegetation and other objects.
The ostrich also possess great eye-sight and can very often spot the predator from far away giving itself a head-start in fleeing the impending danger.
Common predators of nests and young ostriches include jackals, various birds of prey, warthogs, mongoose and Egyptian vultures. If the nest or young are threatened, either or both of the parents may create a distraction feigning injury. They may however sometimes fiercely fight predators when their chicks are threatened and have been capable of killing even their largest enemies, the lions, in such confrontations. The ostrich has a vicious kick that can literally rip you open!
Visit us for a guided tour at Safari Ostrich Farm to learn more about their incredible attributes and interesting behaviour.
