Evidence of a dramatic decline of the red-necked ostrich Struthio camelus camelus in the Air and Tenere National Nature Reserve, Niger

In 1990 the population of the red-necked ostrich Struthio camelus camelus i n the Air and Tenere National Nature Reserve, Niger, was estimated at c. 16 00 individuals. During a 14-day survey carried out in the protected area in October and November 2000 no evidence of recent occurrence of ostriches wa s found, and it appears that the population size has dramatically declined in its favoured habitat. The species seems to have been severely persecuted during the civil war of 1991-1997. Although a small population had remaine d in the protected area after the conflict, the occurrence of further poach ing suggests that remaining individuals are threatened with extirpation.