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Growing Exploitation of Donkeys for Ejiao Production Threatens Rural Communities, Accelerates Illegal Trade, Disrupts Ecosystems, and Puts the Species at Risk
The slaughter of donkeys has been rapidly increasing in various parts of the world. The reason lies in the demand for the animal’s skin, used in the production of ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine. The result is a worrying scenario for the species’ survival.
This trend not only affects ecosystems. It also directly impacts rural communities that have always depended on donkeys for transportation, agriculture, and small tasks.
Moreover, the significant reduction of the animal population in some regions is already beginning to show alarming effects.
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What Is Ejiao and Why Has Its Demand Spiked?
Ejiao is made from collagen extracted from donkey skins. In China, it is valued because it is considered effective in rejuvenation, fertility, and vitality treatments.
In recent years, the increase in the purchasing power of the Chinese population has expanded the consumption of this product. Therefore, the international trade of donkeys has also grown.
Recent reports indicate that in just five years some regions have seen a reduction of up to 70% in the population of these animals.
This explains why environmental organizations are sounding the alarm about the risk of the species disappearing.
Illegal Donkey Trade and Global Expansion of the Problem
While Africa concentrates a large part of the exploitation, the problem is not limited to that continent. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are also suffering from the trafficking of these animals. In Brazil, recent data shows that the donkey population has fallen by 94%.
The absence of consistent monitoring systems facilitates the actions of illegal networks. As a result, exports are growing uncontrollably, exacerbating the population decline.
Environmental organizations claim that this cycle threatens both the animals and rural families. After all, losing donkeys makes basic activities, such as carrying water, transporting goods, or assisting in farming, more difficult.
Impacts on Communities and Ecosystems
The accelerated disappearance of donkeys has direct consequences for those who depend on them. Without these animals, small producers face decreased productivity and more difficulties in mobility.
This means economic losses for families in remote areas. In some cases, the loss of a single donkey undermines the entire work routine.
Moreover, the effects reach the environment. These animals play an important role in natural cycles, such as seed dispersal. Their absence causes imbalances that are reflected in various ecological chains.
Most Visible Consequences
Three points stand out in the advancement of this predatory trade:
- Difficulties for Small Farmers: the value of the animals rises and makes it unsustainable to maintain the activity.
- Risk to Biodiversity: the disappearance of donkeys can disrupt natural processes and affect food chains.
- Growth of Illegal Trade: the heightened demand stimulates trafficking networks and cruel slaughter practices.
These elements show that the crisis goes beyond the cultural issue of traditional Chinese medicine. The problem is global, economic, and environmental.
Attempts to Contain the Advance
Various organizations and governments are already discussing measures to combat excessive exploitation. One of the most cited actions is the creation of stricter trade regulations.
Another initiative is strengthening monitoring at ports and borders. This helps identify illegal shipments and reduce international trafficking.
Additionally, some nations are beginning to use tracking systems to identify animals and prevent fraud.
At the same time, awareness campaigns aim to show the population the risk of extinction of the species. Including donkeys on endangered species lists is also being considered in international forums.
Alternatives to Reduce Pressure
Researchers are attempting to develop substitutes for ejiao. If alternative compounds are accepted, the demand for donkey skin may decrease.
Simultaneously, there are international cooperation efforts for information exchange. This facilitates the detection of criminal networks in border regions.
Therefore, the search for solutions involves science, diplomacy, and environmental protection.
A Challenge That Unites Culture, Economy, and Sustainability
The accelerated slaughter of donkeys shows how local traditions can generate global impacts. The valorization of a product from Chinese medicine threatens not only a species but also the survival of entire families.
Finding a balance between the preservation of animals and respect for cultural practices is the great challenge.
If strong measures are not implemented, donkeys may disappear from many regions within a few years. This would leave an economic, social, and environmental void that would be difficult to repair.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
Criar **** é preservar a espécie.Agora quando eles tiverem se multiplicado bastante é só vender pra China .
Isso é hipocrisia, no próprio Nordeste já é proibida a utilização desses animais como tração, e em muitas cidades, por não terem utilidade, são abandonados nas ruas, se reproduzem rápido e se tornar caso de saúde pública pois rasgam os lixos das cidades em busca de alimentos e espalham tudo pelas ruas, isso é um problema real.
Pronto agora querem acabar com os petistas de vez kkkk