Core Insights - The article discusses the decline of donkey populations in China, which has transitioned from being the world's largest donkey-raising country to experiencing a significant reduction in donkey numbers due to agricultural mechanization and changing market dynamics [1][2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context - Historically, donkeys were integral to rural life in China, serving multiple roles such as transportation and agricultural work, especially before the 1990s [1]. - In 1990, China had over 11 million donkeys, accounting for about 25% of the global population, but this number has drastically decreased to approximately 1.46 million by 2023 [2]. Group 2: Causes of Decline - The primary reason for the decline in donkey populations is the rise of agricultural mechanization, with the mechanization rate reaching 73% in 2023, leading to a more than 90% decrease in donkey numbers [2]. - Donkeys have a long breeding cycle and slow growth rate, making them less appealing for farmers compared to other livestock [3]. - The increasing costs and risks associated with donkey farming, including susceptibility to diseases and the challenges of concentrated farming, have deterred farmers from raising donkeys [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The scarcity of donkeys has led to rising prices for donkey meat, with some businesses resorting to substituting donkey meat with horse meat due to cost pressures [5][6]. - The demand for donkey hides, particularly for the production of traditional Chinese medicine (Ejiao), has surged, creating a competitive market for donkey hides globally [7][8]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The Chinese government is taking steps to protect donkey breeds and improve breeding practices, aiming to enhance the genetic quality and population of donkeys by 2030 [10]. - There is a push for innovation in the donkey industry, including the development of new products like donkey milk and bone glue, as well as eco-tourism initiatives that incorporate donkeys [10][11]. - International cooperation, particularly with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, is being explored to ensure sustainable development in the donkey industry [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant decline in China's donkey population and the increasing demand for donkey hides in the market, particularly for the production of traditional Chinese medicine, Ejiao. This has led to a global search for donkeys, especially in Africa and Central Asia, to meet the demand [3][4][6]. Group 1: Historical Context and Current Situation - In the early 1990s, China was the world's largest donkey-raising country with a peak population of 11.2 million, accounting for a quarter of the global total. However, by 2023, the donkey population in China has plummeted to approximately 1.46 million [4][5]. - The demand for donkey hides for Ejiao has resulted in the slaughter of over one million donkeys annually, with the shortfall being supplemented by imports [5][6]. Group 2: Global Supply and Demand Dynamics - The majority of the world's donkey population is now concentrated in developing countries, with Africa becoming the largest donkey-raising region since 2008. The top five donkey-raising countries include Ethiopia, Sudan, Pakistan, Chad, and Mexico, with three being African nations [6][8]. - The price of donkeys in Africa has surged, with Burkina Faso experiencing over a 60% increase in donkey prices from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, Kenya's donkey population halved from 2009 to 2019 due to rising demand [6][7]. Group 3: Trade and Export Opportunities - Pakistan, the third-largest donkey-raising country with over 5 million donkeys, has seen a notable increase in donkey farming aimed at exporting to China. The Pakistani government is facilitating the development of this emerging industry [8][9]. - The slow reproduction rate of donkeys complicates efforts to increase their population, as a female donkey can only give birth to about 10 offspring in her lifetime, with a gestation period of 1 to 1.5 years [9].

Core Insights - The demand for donkeys in China has surged due to the booming demand for donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao), despite a significant decline in the domestic donkey population [1][3][4] - China was once the world's largest donkey-raising country, with a peak population of 11.2 million donkeys, but by 2023, the number has plummeted to approximately 1.46 million [1][3] - The search for donkeys has expanded globally, with Chinese merchants sourcing donkeys from Central Asia, Pakistan, and increasingly from Africa due to the limited supply in neighboring regions [1][4][5] Industry Overview - The donkey population in China has decreased dramatically from over 4 million in 2015 to about 1.46 million in 2023, with a continuous downward trend [3] - The demand for donkey-hide gelatin in China necessitates the slaughter of over 1 million donkeys annually, leading to a reliance on imports to meet this demand [3][4] - The donkey farming industry in Pakistan is growing, with the country being the third-largest donkey-raising nation, having over 5 million donkeys, and is becoming a key exporter to China [5] Global Supply Dynamics - The majority of the world's donkey population is concentrated in developing countries, with Africa becoming the largest donkey-raising region since 2008 [1][4] - The price of donkeys in Africa has increased significantly, with some countries experiencing price hikes of over 60% between 2014 and 2016 [4] - A recent decision by African Union leaders to impose a 15-year ban on donkey-hide trade reflects growing concerns over animal welfare and the sustainability of donkey populations [4]