The Yangtze River, located in China, once held a robust population of baiji dolphin.
These dolphins are said to be the ‘goddess of the Yangtze’, the longest river in China and the third-longest in the world. Unfortunately, the population of these Yangtze River dolphins is quickly diminishing—the species is now one of the most endangered on the planet.
In the last 20 years, the baiji dolphin population has been decimated. In 2006, the last known living baiji dolphin in the wild, aptly named Qi Qi, flourished; however, since then, no other wild baiji have been sighted. The current question on everyone’s mind is: How many Yangtze River dolphins are left in the world?
The number of baiji left in the world is estimated between zero and twenty. In a 2016 study conducted by conservation group WWF, experts believe the count of baiji left in the wild is negligible. According to the same research, in areas where baiji used to be plentiful, there are now mostly rare varieties of river dolphin such as finless porpoises.
The reason behind the rapid decline in the number of Yangtze River Dolphins are multi-faceted. Primarily, due to the rapidly increasing human population, in the China’s Yangtze River, the plentiful fishing has led to over-fishing in the region. Constant boat traffic has caused destruction of the dolphins’ natural habitats. Pollution from manufacturing has had a direct and harmful effect on these already delicate creatures.
The potential extinction of the baiji dolphin is highly concerning. Experts have warned that if the population continues to decrease, it could cause a domino effect on the entire river system. The disappearance of the Yangtze dolphins could lead to an imbalance in the food chain. This could cause a ripple effect that would extend to the rest of nature in the area.
Nevertheless, there is still hope. Governments around the world are putting extra efforts into other species of river dolphins that are still relatively plentiful. Some conservationists are also advocating for protection of the Yangtze River and its inhabitants, with new laws and strategies to curb human presence and protect the vulnerable species.
Breaking Down the Numbers
A study conducted by NatureServe in 2018 estimated that there were 21 of the Yangtze River dolphins remaining in the wild. This number was recently changed to 14 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) Red List of Endangered Species.
The number of baiji dolphins held in captivity is unknown. There are a small number in aquariums, but it is hard to estimate as many of these aquariums do not take part in counting initiatives or report their data. Moreover, it is extremely difficult to breed baiji dolphins in captivity, due to the complexity of the species’ behavior.
In order to find out the real estimate of how many Yangtze River dolphins are left in the world, experts plan to conduct a new survey. This survey will hopefully paint a more accurate portrait of the species’ population decline, and can help conservation efforts to prevent the further loss of the dolphins.
Prior Conservation Efforts
In order to preserve the Yangtze River dolphins, several conservation efforts have been put in place. For example, the Three Gorges dam project, although controversial, has led to the creation of a 6,000 km² nature reserve.
In addition, many organizations have come together since the 1990s to create conservation networks and bring awareness to the plight of the baiji dolphin. The WWF, for example, started the ‘Save the Baiji project’ and several rescue and rehabilitation centers have been set up across the Yangtze River.
The Shou-Shan Rare Dolphin Culture Preservation Center in the city of Taiji is a prime example. The center was created in 1992 to rehabilitate injured and newborn baiji dolphins. Despite these efforts, the center has had limited success, as there are no captive-born baiji dolphins that have successfully been released into the wild.
In recent decades, the Chinese government has also implemented protection measures, such as banning fishing and boat traffic around certain parts of the river. These measures have gone some way to preserving the dwindling numbers of the baiji dolphin.
Expert Perspectives on Preserving the Species
Experts have stressed the importance of preserving the Yangtze River dolphins. According to marine biologist and WWF WWF curator Vittorio Niccolini, “The baiji dolphin is an iconic species, if it is lost it will represent a terrible blow to the conservation community. All efforts must be made to ensure its survival.”
Some experts have suggested that we need to rethink our approach when it comes to protection of the species. Instead of merely focusing on the baiji species, their conservation strategies should look into protecting the entire Yangtze River ecosystem.
As Niccollini explains, “The baiji dolphin is not the only species in the Yangtze, so it is important that the ecosystem is preserved as a whole, not just the baiji. This means conserving not only the dolphins, but also the fish, the birds and the plants in this vital path of water.”
Understanding the Crisis
The Yangtze river has become a hub of activity, with factories built to power the growing industries in the region.
This activity has led to contaminated water that has led to a decrease in the number of fish, which in turn has led to a decrease in the population of the Yangtze River dolphins.
Pollution has become a serious problem in the region, leading to the release of toxins, sewage, and other man-made chemicals into the river. This is a direct threat to baiji dolphins, as the pollution can cause illness and death.
In addition, there is an abundance of noise pollution in the waters, caused by vessels and industrial activities, which can drive away the dolphins’ food sources, disrupt their communication and interfere with their navigation.
The increase in human presence in the Yangtze has also led to the accidental capture and culling of the dolphins. It is estimated that hundreds of dolphins are killed every year due to entanglement in fishing nets and pollution.
The Role of Governments and Residents
It is important for governments and residents to take an active role in protecting the Yangtze River dolphins. Governments must enforce laws that regulate the activities in the river, while the citizens of the surrounding areas can help by not engaging in activities that will harm the dolphins, such as fishing or polluting the waters.
Conservation groups are calling for a concerted effort to save these dolphins, including local awareness campaigns and a focus on education to ensure that people become more aware of the Yangtze River dolphins’ plight.
Individuals can also get involved by volunteering or donating to organizations such as the WWF or Sea Shepherd, which are actively working to preserve the Yangtze River dolphins and their habitats. Donations can go towards research and conservation efforts, which will help to save this species for years to come.
The Potential for Revitalization
If efforts are taken to conserve the Yangtze River dolphins, there is the potential for the species to be revitalized. Conservationists have set ambitious goals, including the potential repopulation of the Yangtze River system.
In order to make this dream a reality, governments must continue to enforce regulations, while organizations must continue their research and conservation efforts.
The baiji dolphins may be on the brink of extinction, but there is still hope for them. With increased public awareness, timely interventions, and a concerted effort from various governments, organizations, and individuals, the Yangtze River dolphins may yet have a chance of revival.
