The Yangtze River and its Inhabitants
The harsh environment of the Yangtze River Basin, the thousands of kilometers of rivers that make up the central drainage system of China, provides a unique habitat for various species of animals. Despite the Yangtze River basin’s many challenges, such as pollution, siltation and over-fishing, the river is still home to an intriguing array of fishes, birds and mammals. The Yangtze River ecosystem is rich in biodiversity and many of these species are now endangered due to human activity.
The Yangtze River is home to many species of fish, including the Chinese sturgeon, which can grow up to five meters in length and is an endangered species in the basin. Other species of fish common in the region include the tongue sole, Amur pimelodus, carp and rock carp. There are also many endangered species like the Chinese paddlefish, the Chinese freshwater dolphin and the Chinese paddlefish.
Birds are also abundant in the Yangtze River basin. The most common birds include the Black-necked Crane, the White-crowned Sparrow, the Mandarin Duck and the Grey-headed Buzzard. These birds are quite resilient and can cope with the difficult environmental conditions of the Yangtze Basin.
Mammals include the Chinese bamboo rat, the Chinese ferret-badger, the Chinese hare and the Chinese pangolin. All of these mammals are threatened by humans through destruction of their habitat or direct hunting and capture. Even the Chinese pangolin, which was once abundant in the Yangtze River Basin, is now only found in small pockets.
The remaining animal species in the Yangtze River Basin are mostly aquatic mammals. The endangered species in this group include the Yangtze River dolphin, the Chinese alligator, the finless porpoise and the Chinese river dolphin. These animals are facing extinction due to habitat destruction and the destruction of their food sources.
In order to protect the remaining species of animals in the Yangtze River Basin, there have been various conservation efforts by the Chinese government. In 2010, the Chinese government announced plans to create a 600-mile long “Fish Protection Belt” in theRiver. This belt is designed to protect fish in the area from environmental destruction and over fishing. The Chinese government is also attempting to develop a network of protected rivers zones throughout the country in order to preserve the unique biodiversity of the Yangtze River Basin and its inhabitants.
International Conservation Efforts
The international community has taken note of the threats to the animal species in the Yangtze River Basin and has voiced its support for conservation efforts. Many organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, have joined with the Chinese government in an effort to preserve the biodiversity of the Yangtze River Basin.
In 2009, the World Wildlife Fund and the Chinese government teamed up to create an interactive website in an effort to educate the public about the importance of preserving the Yangtze River Basin’s threatened species. The organization also produced two documentaries, entitled “The Yangtze River” and “The Yangtze Basin in Crisis,” which showcased the biodiversity of the area and the challenges facing the animals who inhabite it.
In 2010, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species classified nearly one-third of the animal species in the Yangtze River Basin as either “Endangered” or “Vulnerable,” and nearly half as “At Risk.” The IUCN also calls upon the Chinese government to take action in order to protect the animal inhabitants in the basin.
What Action is Being Taken?
The Chinese government has implemented several initiatives in an effort to preserve the Yangtze River river basin’s animal species. In 2011, the Chinese government commissioned the creation of the Yangtze River Conservation Zone, a network of protected areas that encompass the Yangtze River and its tributaries, as well as its surrounding wetlands and forests. This conservation program provides a legal framework for preserving the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the Yangtze River Basin.
The Chinese government also enacted a five-year Action Plan in 2011 to ensure the protection of endangered species in the Basin. The Action Plan sets forth goals for, among other things, restoring natural habitats, promoting the preservation of rare species, and educating the public about the importance of conservation.
The Role of Local Communities
Local communities also play an integral role in protecting the animals who inhabit the Yangtze River Basin. In an effort to raise conservation awareness and create economic development opportunities in the area, local communities have implemented various initiatives. For example, the city of Zhongshan established an eco-tourism program in 2010, where tourists can observe and learn about the amazing array of species in the Yangtze River Basin. This initiative has been met with great success, as it has not only increased conservation awareness among local populations, but has also led to increased economic activity in the area.
Conclusion
The animal inhabitants of the Yangtze River Basin are facing an uncertain future due to human activity. The Chinese government, along with international organizations, is taking action in order to protect these species, but local communities must also join forces in order to create sustainable conservation initiatives. If local populations make a commitment to protect their animal inhabitants, then the Yangtze River Basin will be able to maintain its incredible biodiversity for future generations.
