The first ostrich farms appeared in the 18th century in South Africa, where feathers were very popular. Today, the country has more than 400 breeding farms of this species acclimatized to the hot and dry climate, intended for meat production. Their skins have been valued since the 1960s, a source of additional income for breeders. Generally, the tanning of ostrich skins requires almost 8 weeks. The skins are mainly tanned with chrome but they can be treated with vegetable tannins. Ostrich leather can be finished in a wide range of colors, and even hand polished with Agate stone for a shiny appearance. With an average surface area of ​​144 dm², these exceptional leathers are easily recognizable by their studs which exclusively adorn the center, i.e. a square sixty centimeters on a side in the best case, which makes its use more difficult for the clothing.
Very resistant, ostrich leather is an ideal material for the manufacture of shoes or leather goods, small leather goods, belts and watches (watch straps) or daily products exposed to scratches and friction. Finally, it is exempt from the CITES certificate unlike most exotic leathers.