Introduction
The Yangtze River is the longest river in China, running from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea. It is home to a large number of incredible animals, including the Chinese alligator, the Chinese paddlefish, the finless porpoise, and the white-flag dolphins. It is also home to a variety of bird and fish species.
Species of Animals
The most well-known animal to live near the Yangtze River is the Chinese alligator. This species of alligator is one of the few animals in the world actually known to be extinct in the wild. The only remaining members of this species can be found in protected National Parks along the river. Fortunately, active conservation programmes are making sure that this species will remain in existence into the future.
The Yangtze River is also home to the Chinese paddlefish. This species is the heavist bony fish in the entire world, weighing up to a whopping 440kgs. Sadly, the longest known fish in the Yangtze, the Chinese Paddlefish, is on the verge of extinction due to overfishing and pollution.
The third species living near the Yangtze is the finless porpoise, a species of small dolphin found only in the Yangtze River. Scientists estimate that there are less than 1,000 of these dolphins left in their natural habitat, and the population is in decline. They are highly sensitive and affected by pollutants, declining prey stocks, and boat traffic.
Another species found near the Yangtze River is the white-flag dolphin, a subspecies of the common dolphin. They are only found in the Yangtze and are currently listed as critically endangered. Active conservation programmes are trying to protect these creatures from extinction.
Birds and Fish
On top of the four species mentioned previously, the Yangtze is also home to a variety of bird and fish species. Some of the most interesting bird species to be found in the area include the Mandarin Duck, the Black-necked Crane, and the Red-crowned Crane. All of these species are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The Yangtze River also boasts a variety of fish species, including the extensively farmed Chinese carp, the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon, the critically endangered Chinese paddlefish, and the endangered Yangtze lake snow trout. It is also home to the freshwater Yangtze River rabbit, an endemic species of mammalian.
Conservation Issues
The animals living in the Yangtze River are facing an increasing number of threats from human development. The most pressing issues facing the animals of the Yangtze are deforestation, pollution, and fishing. As the Yangtze river basin undergoes massive development, the forests which are home to many of these animals are being destroyed. Pollution levels are also high in the Yangtze, and are a major threat to the vulnerable species living here.
Fishing is also an issue for animals living near the Yangtze. Overfishing is a serious threat, as it not only reduces food sources for the animals, but can also give rise to a number of environmental problems such as algal blooms. Additionally, fishing nets can cause casualties among the animals living in the river.
Conservation Programs
Fortunately, there are a number of conservation programmes in place to protect the animals living near the Yangtze River. The Chinese government has set up a number of nature reserves in the Yangtze River Basin, providing protection for the animals living there. Additionally, a number of NGO’s are actively involved in the conservation of species such as the Chinese sturgeon and the Chinese paddlefish.
The government has also set up a number of fishing restrictions, with a ban on fishing near the Chinese paddlefish’s spawning grounds. This has helped keep the population of this species stable, and with the right protection it could even become a success story in terms of conservation.
Farming and Pollution
Farming practices along the river are also cause for concern. Intensive farming can result in runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to algal blooms which suffocate the animals living in the river and can cause respiratory illnesses in humans living near the river. This can be prevented through more sustainable agricultural practices.
The biggest problem for animals near the Yangtze River is pollution. Factories dump countless amounts of chemicals and waste into the river, and this has a direct effect on the animals living there. Pollutants can harm the animals directly, and can also reduce the quality of the water and reduce food sources.
Restoration Efforts
Fortunately, the Chinese government has been taking steps to address the problem of pollution. Strict laws have been passed to regulate the amount of toxins being discharged into the river and to protect water sources. Additionally, a number of restoration efforts have been put in place in order to clean up the river and restore habitats for the animals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Yangtze River is home to a number of impressive and endangered animals, including the Chinese alligator, the Chinese paddlefish, the finless porpoise, and the white-flag dolphin. These animals are facing a number of threats, such as deforestation, pollution, and fishing. Fortunately, there are a number of conservation programmes and restoration projects in progress in order to protect these species. The Yangtze River proves that, with the help of conservation efforts and careful monitoring, animal species can be protected from extinction.
