Database: The Arabian Ostrich: Difference between revisions
Created page with "right|250px thumb|250px|Large Arabian ostrich engraving in the sandstone, along with carvings of camels in the rocks in AlUla. The Arabian ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) historically occupied an extensive arc across the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, from southern Syria and Jordan through northwest Arabia and into interior deserts. Arabian ostriches were once prized by AlUla’s ancien..." |
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[[File:DTA The Arabian Ostrich 1.png|right|250px]] | [[File:DTA The Arabian Ostrich 1.png|right|250px]] | ||
[[File:DTA The Arabian Ostrich 2.png|thumb|250px|Large Arabian ostrich engraving in the sandstone, along with carvings of | [[File:DTA The Arabian Ostrich 2.png|thumb|250px|Large Arabian ostrich engraving in the {{Wiki|sandstone}}, along with carvings of [[camel]]s in the rocks in AlUla.]] | ||
The Arabian ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) historically occupied an extensive arc across the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, from southern Syria and Jordan through northwest Arabia and into interior deserts. | The {{Wiki|Arabian ostrich}} (Struthio camelus syriacus) historically occupied an extensive arc across the [[Levant]] and the {{Wiki|Arabian Peninsula}}, from southern Syria and [[Jordan]] through northwest [[Arabia]] and into interior deserts. | ||
Arabian ostriches were once prized by | Arabian ostriches were once prized by [[Al-Ula|AlUla]]'s ancient civilizations, with many egg shell fragments found across archaeological sites in the region. Wadi AlNaam—'The Valley of the Ostriches'—displays rock art of ancient [[horse]]back [[hunting]] scenes in pursuit of these huge [[bird]]s. Nearly 8000 [[ostrich]] depictions have been recorded in AlUla, some dating back to the {{Wiki|Bronze Age}} (3000 – 1300 BCE). The birds were likely an important source of meat, eggshells (as containers and for bead production), and decorative [[feather]]s. | ||
Unfortunately, the Arabian ostrich was driven to extinction by the middle of the 20th century. Today, the Arabian | Unfortunately, the Arabian ostrich was {{Wiki|Poaching|driven}} to extinction by the middle of the 20th century. Today, the Arabian ostrich's closest {{Wiki|Haplotype|genetic cousin}}, the {{Wiki|North African ostrich|North African}} or red-necked ostrich, is being used for {{Wiki|Species reintroduction|reintroduction}} efforts in Arabia, including in AlUla. | ||
[[Category:Database: A Natural Wonder]] | [[Category:Database: A Natural Wonder]] | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:The Arabian Ostrich}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:The Arabian Ostrich}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:05, 2 October 2026
The Arabian ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus) historically occupied an extensive arc across the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, from southern Syria and Jordan through northwest Arabia and into interior deserts.
Arabian ostriches were once prized by AlUla's ancient civilizations, with many egg shell fragments found across archaeological sites in the region. Wadi AlNaam—'The Valley of the Ostriches'—displays rock art of ancient horseback hunting scenes in pursuit of these huge birds. Nearly 8000 ostrich depictions have been recorded in AlUla, some dating back to the Bronze Age (3000 – 1300 BCE). The birds were likely an important source of meat, eggshells (as containers and for bead production), and decorative feathers.
Unfortunately, the Arabian ostrich was driven to extinction by the middle of the 20th century. Today, the Arabian ostrich's closest genetic cousin, the North African or red-necked ostrich, is being used for reintroduction efforts in Arabia, including in AlUla.