Number of donkeys in Jordan declines

Jordan’s donkey population has been steadily declining over the past few decades, sparking concerns about the species' future in the country.

According to the latest official statistics, the number of donkeys in Jordan dropped to 6,500 in 2020 and further decreased to 6,200 in 2022. This is a significant reduction compared to previous years and highlights a troubling trend.

Back in 1980, Jordan ranked second to last among Arab countries in terms of donkey population, with around 19,000 donkeys. However, the numbers have been steadily falling, reaching 14,000 in 2003 and 10,000 in 2006, which placed Jordan at the bottom of the list in the Arab world.

In stark contrast, other Arab countries have maintained significantly larger donkey populations. Egypt leads the region with 892,000 donkeys, followed closely by Morocco with 891,000, and Yemen with 716,000. These figures highlight the sharp decline in Jordan compared to its regional counterparts.

In Jordan, donkeys play a crucial role, especially in rural areas. They are commonly used for transporting goods and people, making them an essential part of the daily lives of many Jordanians. However, with the continued decrease in their numbers, there is growing concern about the sustainability of this traditional practice.

Efforts to address the declining donkey population in Jordan will be critical to preserving this important aspect of rural life and ensuring that donkeys remain a part of the country’s cultural and economic fabric.