Niger bans export of donkeys to preserve population 

Niger has banned the export of donkeys, warning that a three-fold increase in trade, mainly to Asian countries, is threatening its donkey population. 

China imports many donkey hides, using it for medicinal tonics, aphrodisiacs and anti-ageing creams. 

Niger's livestock ministry, said about 80 thousand donkeys have been exported so far this year compared to 27 thousand last year. 

In August, neighbouring Burkina Faso banned the export of donkey skins on similar grounds. 

BBC