Discover 10 Animals Found In and Around China’s Famous Yangtze River

It’s the longest river in Asia and twice as deep as the Mighty Mississippi. China’s Yangtze River flows through 11 provinces, bringing over 400 million people fresh water. The Yangtze River is also an important home to a diverse array of some of the most unique animals on earth. Read on to discover ten animals found in and around the Yangtze River.

Chinese Alligator

The only species of alligator found in China is the Chinese alligator. Smaller than an American alligator, the Chinese alligator grows about four and a half to seven feet long. Sadly, this alligator is critically endangered. Only about 150 to 200 individuals remain in the wild. 

Pufferfish

The pufferfish is a fascinating creature that has an impressive defense system. This fish ingests toxin-producing bacteria. If a predator, including humans, eat the fish, they will die. Despite the danger, pufferfish is a delicacy in many parts of Asia. However, pufferfish can only be prepared by highly trained chefs who know how to safely remove the toxins. Recently, a type of non-toxic pufferfish was farm-raised in China. Consequently, diners can now safely eat pufferfish without the deadly risk.

Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze River was once home to two species of dolphins: the Yangtze finless porpoise and the Baiji dolphin. Unfortunately, the Baiji dolphin went extinct in 2006. Also, sadly, the Yangtze finless porpoise is critically endangered. This beloved dolphin species is very intelligent and known to be similar in intelligence to a gorilla.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

This cute and small monkey lives along the Yangtze River. This species is easily recognizable with its bright orange fur and snub nose. Their thick, luxurious coat keeps the golden snub-nosed monkey warm and camouflages them in their forest habitats.

Giant Panda Bear

Easily the most recognizable animal from China, giant panda bears live along the Yangtze River basin. These iconic creatures feast almost entirely on bamboo, eating about 26 to 84 pounds per day. Unfortunately, infrastructure development along the river is infringing upon the pandas’ habitat. However, China has built panda reserves to help protect the panda by saving its habitat.

Chinese Giant Salamander

It’s the biggest amphibian in the world. However large it is, the Chinese giant salamander can be hard to spot, as they are experts at camouflaging themselves along the Yangtze River bottom. The largest of the species ever found was 130 pounds and 5.9 feet long. Sadly, like other animals on this list, the Chinese giant salamander is critically endangered.

Snow Leopard

Also living along the Yangtze River is the beautiful and elegant snow leopard. This elusive big cat can weigh anywhere from 49 to 120 pounds, and unlike other big cats, the snow leopard doesn’t roar. They are very athletic and can jump as far as 50 feet in one bound. The snow leopard is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and poaching.

Tibetan Antelope

The Tibetan antelope, also known as chiru, has a thick, beautiful cream-colored coat of fur that keeps it warm in cold weather. People also like to keep warm from the animal’s coat. Poachers smuggle the wool into countries where it is made into a soft and expensive scarf called a shahtoosh. Shahtooshes sell for thousands of dollars. Sadly, three to five animals must die to make only one scarf. Because the antelopes are wild animals and can’t be domesticated and shorn, they must be killed to strip them of their wool.

Siberian Crane

Siberian Cranes spend their breeding season in northeastern Siberia, but they migrate to the Lower Yangtze River Basin to spend the winter. These large birds can grow to five feet in height and weigh up to 13 pounds. Unfortunately, these unique and elegant large birds are yet another endangered species living along the Yangtze River. The population of Siberian Cranes is estimated to be under 4,000 in total.

Pangolin

These shy and scaly animals may look a lot like anteaters, but they are not closely related. The pangolin lives around the Yangtze River, sleeping all day and coming out at night. The pangolin is the only mammal on earth that is covered in scales. Their tough scales help protect them from predators. The pangolin will roll into a ball with only its tough scales showing, making it very hard for a predator to break through.

Summary of 10 Animals Found In and Around China’s Famous Yangtze River

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