Discover How The Yangtze Finless Porpoise Became Endangered

The world is full of beautiful and interesting species that are on the verge of disappearing forever. Among these is the Yangtze finless porpoise, which is among one of the most endangered animals in China. Although recent studies have shown hope in restoring this population to its previous numbers, it is important to understand, first, just how the Yangtze finless porpoise became endangered.

Below, explore the possible causes of population decline in the Yangtze finless porpoise. Plus, learn more about the conservation efforts in play and about this interesting species as a whole.

How the Yangtze Finless Porpoise Became Endangered

The Yangtze finless porpoise is currently listed as a critically endangered species. Researchers estimate there are less than 2000 individuals in the wild. However, how did the Yangtze finless porpoise become endangered?

Years ago, the Yangtze finless porpoise was not the only dolphin species to inhibit the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia. Instead, this unique species shared this freshwater habitat with the baiji dolphin, which was declared functionally extinct between 2006 and 2007. Because of their closeness, the Yangtze finless porpoise faces many of the same problems that the baiji dolphin did. 

One of the largest reasons that the Yangtze finless porpoise became endangered is overfishing. Fish make up an essential part of this dolphin’s diet, and overfishing has led to less food available. As food becomes scarcer, the environment is unable to support a larger population. Since the Yangtze finless porpoise is endemic to its namesake river, this is the only environment in the world capable of supporting it. As food declines, so will the species.

Ships have also played a role in the endangered status of species. Not only do ships and related activities increase pollution in the river, but they can also injure the dolphins themselves. 

Yangtze Finless Porpoise Conservation

There has not been a sighting of the baiji dolphin since 2006. In order to prevent the same future from happening to the Yangtze finless porpoise, the last dolphin resident of the largest river in Asia, many authorities have set conservation plans into action.

As mentioned previously above, one of the greatest concerns for the Yangtze finless porpoise is overfishing. This is why the Yangtze River Conservation Law is one of the greatest conservation acts to help protect this species. In 2021, the Chinese government established the Yangtze River Conservation Law. This law banned fishing not only in the Yangtze River itself but its tributaries as well for the next decade. The goal of this law is to allow the native populations to grow and flourish, including the Yangtze finless porpoise. By limiting fishing, this law also aids in correcting the overfishing concern on the river, restoring the Yangtze finless porpoise’s main food source. 

Raising awareness about the plight of this species has also been beneficial. In many instances, individuals were not aware of the impact of certain fishing practices on the river and its dolphin population. By increasing education on the importance of balance in the Yangtze River, there has been a great increase in awareness about the species and its significance. 

One study published in 2023 showed an increase in the population from 1,012 to 1,249 during a five-year time span. As a result, while the Yangtze finless porpoise remains an endangered species, there is hope for its future, thanks to the various conservation projects put in place.

Species Profile: Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is the only freshwater cetacean in China after the likely extinction of the baiji. It is one of the few freshwater dolphin species in the world, endemic to the Yangtze River system. In Mandarin Chinese, the Yangtze finless porpoise is known as the jiangtun. This translates to mean “river piglet”.

While many species of dolphins, especially marine species, are known to be active around humans, the same cannot be said for the Yangtze finless porpoise. Instead, these dolphins are fairly shy, preferring not to surface when aware of human activity. They are social animals, however, traveling in small groups of three to six members. Some of the largest groups reported have had up to twenty members. 

The Yangtze finless porpoise in China is classified as a National First Grade Key Protected Wild Animal. This list contains endangered species native to China that are of the utmost concern, typically because of the critical nature of their endangered status. Laws established by the government and time spent by animal conservation organizations have proved significant to the continued survival of this interesting freshwater species.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © 蕭漫 / CC BY-SA 4.0 – License / Original