Wild Donkeys Help Restore Israel’s Desert Ecosystem After 44 Years

Kolhapur: A conservation experiment in Israel’s Negev Desert has shown how wild donkeys can contribute to the restoration of an arid ecosystem.

In 1982, Israeli authorities released 28 Persian onagers and African wild asses into the Ramon Crater. The initiative aimed to restore species that had disappeared from the region because of hunting. More than four decades later, their population has increased to an estimated 500–600 across the region.

The animals have also emerged as natural engineers of the desert. While searching for underground water, they use their strong hooves to dig deep holes. These temporary water sources can benefit other wildlife, including foxes, gazelles and bats.

Wild donkeys also consume acacia pods and spread the seeds through their droppings, supporting the growth of new trees. Their movement across the desert creates small depressions that may help retain rainwater when rainfall occurs.

The conservation project is being viewed as an example of wildlife restoration and ecological resilience. It highlights how the return of native or historically present species can influence the wider desert environment and support other forms of life.