Will donkeys vanish from Madhya Pradesh? Census reveals 94% decline in 3 decades

Will Donkeys Vanish from Madhya Pradesh? (Image: Canva)

Once a familiar sight in villages, donkeys are fast disappearing from Madhya Pradesh. The latest livestock census shows a steep fall in their numbers, sparking concern among conservationists and animal rights activists.

Donkey Numbers Drop Sharply Across the State

Why are donkey populations collapsing in Madhya Pradesh? The census reveals only 3,052 donkeys remain across the state, compared with 49,289 in 1997—a 94% decline in less than three decades. Once vital to rural transport and trade, these hardy animals now face near extinction in several regions.

Which districts have been worst hit? Official figures show nine out of 55 districts have recorded zero donkeys, confirming local extinction. Narmadapuram leads with 332 donkeys, followed by Chhatarpur (232), Rewa (226), and Morena (228). In contrast, Vidisha, once home to more than 6,400 donkeys, now reports just 171, while Bhopal has only 56 left.

What Is Behind the Disappearance?

Are trade and global demand fuelling this decline? According to Gurgaon-based animal rights activist Naresh Kadyan, China’s growing demand for donkey hides has worsened the crisis. He points to the Chinese “ejiao” industry, which boils donkey hides to produce gelatin used in traditional tonics, aphrodisiacs, and anti-ageing creams. Kadyan has urged the Centre to declare donkeys an endangered species, warning that unchecked trade could wipe them out entirely.

Broader Livestock Trends in the State

How do other livestock populations compare? The census records 3.75 crore animals in Madhya Pradesh, including 15.7 million cows, 10.2 million buffaloes, 10.9 million goats, 558,324 sheep, 9,971 horses, 972 mules, 2,896 camels, and 89,177 pigs. While these numbers reflect a thriving livestock sector, the near-vanishing of donkeys tells a different story — one of neglect, trade pressures, and changing rural economies.

As donkey carts fade from the roads of Madhya Pradesh, the question remains: can this humble working animal be saved before it disappears completely?