Database: The Arabian Ostrich
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.