Regional and world trends in donkey populations

Maps, tables and graphs are presented to illustrate trends in donkey populations in the world, with emphasis on Africa, Asia and Latin America. Most data derive from information collated and published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Although national estimates of donkey populations are seldom accurate, they illustrate broad trends. There are estimated to be 44 million donkeys in the world, almost all of which are maintained for work. China has the highest population (eleven million) followed by Ethiopia (five million). For the past thirty years (and more) there has been a gradual but consistent growth in donkey numbers. The main areas of increase have been in sub-Saharan Africa, the north of the Indian subcontinent and the tropical highlands of Latin America. This has more than offset the decline in the Mediterranean region. In the past thirty years there has been a three-fold increase in the Sahelian zone of West Africa. Rapid increases have also been seen in some southern African states. Major declines in donkey populations have been reported in Turkey and southern Europe. The paper discusses the regional trends. The stability of donkey populations in countries that are rapidly urbanising and industrialising is noted. It is suggested that donkeys will continue to be important in such countries while they have large rural sectors without access to affordable motor power. The data, combined with personal observations, point to continuing expansion of donkey numbers into the twenty-first century, with the largest growth in sub-Saharan Africa.