20 Dec 2021

Botswana’s donkey population is declining sharply. Whereas in 2003, the country had 493000 donkeys, today it only has an estimated125 000 donkeys.

This drastic decline is attributable to droughts, predators and illegal trading in donkey hides, says equine officer in the ministry of Agriculture and Food Production, Mr Tibone Moalosi The situation was further compounded by the gestation period of a jennet, which was between 11 and 13 months.

“This means natural replacement is slow compared to the rate killed during illegal trading of donkey hides,” he said. Chobe District had the least donkey population, mainly due to predators such as lions and hyenas while Central District had the highest number of donkeys, he said.

But now the humble donkey is facing further threat from humans, and government has been compelled to come up with special steps to protect the animal.

This is after it became apparent that many people now considered its meat a delicacy, and there are fears its already shrinking numbers might contract further, and faster.

 “Donkey meat is regarded as healthier compared to other red meats. As a result we’re now in the process of recognising donkeys as food animals rather than draught power,” said Mr Moalosi.

In order to inhibit the decline in donkey population, the ministry was monitoring their numbers by issuing permits for individuals and companies who were into donkey meat production.

“They are being issued with a quota annually and it is monitored on a weekly basis to ensure they do not exceed the figure allocated,” he said.

 Mr Moalosi conceded that the declining numbers had a negative impact on those who relied on donkeys for their livelihoods. As a way of encouraging good donkey husbandry, the ministry was in addition to recognising its meat, promoting donkey milk.

 “Donkey milk has a lot of medicinal properties in its composition,” said Mr Moalosi, adding traditionally it was given to newly born babies in order to strengthen their immune system. ENDS