China’s demand for donkeys is on the rise, and Africa is feeling the effects. In order to meet the needs of their booming population, China is turning to Africa to meet their demand for donkey hides, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. This growing demand has caused a dramatic increase in the price of donkeys in African countries. Locals are now facing difficulties in acquiring these essential animals for work and transport, as the price for a single donkey has risen from around $50 to over $200 in some parts of Africa. In response to these rising costs, African authorities have been clamping down on illegal donkey exports, and have even implemented donkey slaughter bans in some countries. Despite these efforts, some experts are predicting a donkey shortage in the near future.

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source: Phys.org