Madhya Pradesh
Donkey Population Crisis in Madhya Pradesh
- 23 Oct 2025
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The 21st Livestock Census shows that while Madhya Pradesh has a total of 3.75 crore livestock, the donkey population forms only a negligible share and has witnessed a sharp and continuous decline in recent years.
Key Points
- About: Donkeys, once an essential part of rural transport and trade in Madhya Pradesh, are now facing near-local extinction in several districts, raising serious concerns about biodiversity loss and the livelihoods of rural communities.
- Population Decline: The donkey population in the state has declined drastically, from 49,289 in 1997 to just 3,052 in 2025, representing a 94% decrease in less than three decades.
- Districts with the highest donkey populations include Narmadapuram (332), Chhatarpur (232), Morena (228), and Rewa (226).
- Vidisha, which once had over 6,400 donkeys, now has only 171, while Bhopal records just 56.
- Districts such as Dindori, Niwari, Seoni, Harda, and Umaria have reported zero donkeys, indicating local extinction.
- Causes of Decline:
- Illicit Trade in Donkey Hides: Driven by China’s demand for the “Ejiao” industry, where donkey skins are boiled to extract gelatin used in traditional tonics, aphrodisiacs, and anti-ageing products.
- Decline in Traditional Use: Mechanisation of transport and agriculture has reduced the economic utility of donkeys in rural areas.
|
Livestock Population in Madhya Pradesh |
|
|
Species |
Population |
|
Cows |
15.7 million |
|
Buffaloes |
10.2 million |
|
Goats |
10.9 million |
|
Sheep |
558,324 |
|
Horses |
9,971 |
|
Mules |
972 |
|
Camels |
2,896 |
|
Pigs |
89,177 |
|
Donkeys |
3,052 |
Livestock Census
- A livestock census has been conducted across the country every 5 years since 1919.
- As per the 20th Census conducted in 2019, the total Livestock population in India is 535.78 million.
- The total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) was 302.79 Million.
- For the development of livestock, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme, launched in 2014-15, consists of three sub-missions: Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry, Feed & Fodder Development, and Innovation & Extension.
