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Tuesday, March 10, 1998 Published at 17:00 GMT
Despatches
![image: [ BBC Correspondent: Francis Markus ]](/olmedia/60000/images/_64272_markus.jpg){kind=small} | Francis Markus | |||
In Australia, there's been a flurry of interest in reports that the shells of emu eggs may have aphrodisiac properties. The shells of the large bird, which cannot fly, are traditionally used by Australian aborigines for carving on. But now Asian businessmen have been among those showing interest in them. And if the claims about them prove justified, they could provide a commodity which will help take the pressure off protected species such as the rhinoceros, which is often killed for the aphrodisiac qualities of its horn. Francis Markus reports: The emu is a versatile bird indeed, with a growing market for the meat, leather and oil which it provides. In the latest possible addition to that list the aphrodisiac properties believed to be found in emu egg shells, were noticed by an aboriginal craftsman carving the egg shells. Cecil Brown, manager of one of Australia's largest emu farms, run by an aboriginal community, says:
"It seems to rejuvenate your sex drive." Among those taking an interest in the prospect have been Asian buyers. The Far Eastern market for aphrodisiacs is dominated by such products as rhino horn, despite international efforts to protect endangered species. If the properties of emu egg shells are scientifically confirmed, they could provide a less damaging and much cheaper alternative. Female emus lay about 20 eggs at a time and broken shells are plentiful. Aboriginal farmers have been selling them to intrigued buyers at about $6 a kilo. | ||||
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