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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Donkeys Live?

Quick answer

Donkeys are native to Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and South America. Domesticated from the African wild ass; working and feral donkeys now occur on every inhabited continent, especially in arid regions of Africa and Asia.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Domesticated from the African wild ass; working and feral donkeys now occur on every inhabited continent, especially in arid regions of Africa and Asia.

Continents and countries

Donkeys occur across Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and South America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Worldwide on farms, rangelands, and arid regions provides shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where donkeys persist today.

Sources

FAQs

Where do donkeys live in the wild?

Domesticated from the African wild ass; working and feral donkeys now occur on every inhabited continent, especially in arid regions of Africa and Asia.

What habitat do donkeys prefer?

Worldwide on farms, rangelands, and arid regions

Are donkeys found near humans?

Some populations overlap farmland or suburbs; always observe wild donkeys from a safe distance.

Which continents have donkeys?

Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and South America.

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