Donkeys have served humanity for millennia, undertaking countless tasks across diverse landscapes. Their resilience and strength have made them indispensable partners in agriculture, transportation, and daily livelihoods for communities around the globe.
Current Global Population: The Numbers
The global donkey population is estimated at 44 to 50 million animals. Historically, between 1961 and 2018, the overall trend indicated a gradual increase in donkey numbers, growing at about 1% annually. This global rise, however, masks significant regional variations. For instance, while populations have seen substantial increases in sub-Saharan Africa, other regions like Eastern Europe have experienced reductions. China’s donkey population, once the world’s largest, has seen a dramatic decline from 11 million to a much lower figure.
Why Donkey Populations Are Changing: Key Drivers
A primary factor driving changes in donkey populations is the escalating demand for ejiao. This gelatin, derived from boiling donkey hides, is used in traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetics. An estimated 4.8 to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered annually to meet this demand, outpacing their birth rates by a considerable margin. As China’s domestic donkey population has plummeted, the industry increasingly sources hides from donkeys in African, Asian, and South American countries, leading to declines in those regions. This trade often involves illegal activities, including theft of donkeys and inhumane conditions during capture, transport, and slaughter.
Working donkeys, particularly in developing nations, often face overwork and neglect. They are often burdened with excessive loads and compelled to work long hours, sometimes up to 10 to 15 hours daily, leading to chronic fatigue. This strenuous labor, combined with inadequate nutrition and insufficient access to water, results in emaciation and physical injuries. Poorly fitting harnesses and saddles cause painful wounds, while lack of proper hoof care contributes to lameness, compromising their welfare and ability to work.
Donkeys also suffer from diseases, often exacerbated by limited veterinary care. Conditions such as parasitic infestations, tetanus, and respiratory illnesses are common. In many areas, traditional treatments, which can be ineffective, are used in place of professional veterinary intervention. The illegal transport of donkeys for the ejiao trade further contributes to the spread of infectious diseases, posing risks to animal and human health.
The Essential Role of Donkeys Worldwide
Donkeys play a significant socioeconomic and cultural role for millions of people globally, especially in low-income countries. They serve as reliable working animals, providing power for agricultural tasks such as plowing and transporting crops. Donkeys are also crucial for transporting goods to markets and for carrying people, water, and supplies, often across challenging terrains. Their endurance and affordability make them a primary source of livelihood for families, contributing directly to food security and economic stability. When a donkey is lost or stolen, it can significantly impact a household’s income and well-being.
Protecting Donkeys: Conservation Efforts
Initiatives are underway to protect donkeys and promote their welfare. International and local organizations campaign against the illegal ejiao trade, advocating for policy changes and enforcing bans on the export and slaughter of donkeys for their hides.
Efforts also focus on improving working donkey welfare through owner education, promoting responsible husbandry, and providing veterinary services. These programs teach proper nutrition, fitting harnesses, and early disease detection to enhance their health and longevity. Organizations also establish sanctuaries and rescue operations for neglected, abused, or abandoned donkeys. Continued action and collaboration among governments, communities, and animal welfare groups are vital to ensuring the future of these animals.