Local Ecosystem
The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang, is the longest river in China and the third-longest river in the world, stretching over 6,300 kilometres from the glaciers of the Tibetan plateau. This river is surrounded by unique ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity that are important to humankind. One of the inhabitants of the Yangtze River is the Baiji, or Chinese River Dolphin.
The Baiji is a species of freshwater dolphin that is found in the Yangtze River, and is the only exclusively freshwater dolphin in the world. This critically endangered species consists of an estimated 600 individuals, with fewer than 100 in each of the three main subpopulations. This species has been known to have existed in the region since at least 265 BC, and was recognised and named by local dwellers in the Qin Dynasty.
Declining Dolphin Population
The Baiji is considered a species with the highest probability of becoming extinct in the near future, due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the accelerated construction of China’s Three Gorges Dam and its tributaries has caused drastic fluctuations in the water levels of the Yangtze River. This has created obstacles for the dolphins, reducing the food source and navigability throughout the river.
Moreover, the increasing population of China means that the river is becoming more and more polluted. Rising toxic levels are resulting in increasing mortality rates of dolphins and other marine species. The Yangtze is also one of the most populated rivers in the world and the mammals are exposed to a multitude of watercrafts, boat traffic, electric fishing, poaching and other activities that can cause further declines in the population.
Campaigns To Save The Dolphins
The Baiji has been the subject of international conservation campaigns since the 1980s, and in 2006 The Baiji was declared functionally extinct by experts. To ensure the long-term survival of this species, conservation campaigns have been launched to increase public awareness about the declining condition of the Baiji.
One of the organisations that is dedicated to protecting these dolphins is the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance, an NGO founded by Chinese citizens which works with the local fishermans’ associations and local governments to protect, restore and conserve the species.
The organisation works in collaboration with Chinese and international research, redevelopment and conservation efforts to rebuild the Baiji population. They raise awareness through speaking engagements, and offer financial and technical aid to assist in the development of solutions.
The Dolphins Role In Local Communities
The Baiji dolphins play an important community role in the Yangtze River, contributing to tourism and providing ancient symbols of Chinese culture. In the past, sighting of the Baiji was a good omen for local fishermen and it was believed that the dolphins brought luck to the village.
Consequently, the Yangtze River community is greatly invested in this species surviving. Local fishermen have become actively involved in helping to restore the Baiji population, by providing the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance with data about the dolphins’ movements in the river and other information. They are also helping to monitor their population numbers to ensure the species’ eventual survival.
International Conservation Efforts
Given the Baiji’s critically endangered status, many international conservation organisations are working in collaboration with the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance to aid the dolphins’ population recovery. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is at the forefront of the Yangtze River conservation efforts, providing grants to help preserve the biodiversity and ecotourism of the region.
The WWF is leading the way in educating local and international communities about the importance of protecting the Baiji and its habitat. They are also actively advocating for the development of policies that encourage sustainable practices in the Yangtze River region. Additionally, the WWF is beginning to partner with local communities to carry out research and to reintroduce the Baiji dolphins into the river.
Hope For The Future
Although the Baiji is identified as a critically endangered species, there is still hope for this species. It is essential that international organisations and local communities continue to collaborate to improve this species’ chance of survival. This includes the implementation of policy and community-based participatory methods to ensure that the Yangtze River becomes a safe and healthy ecosystem for the Baiji dolphins.
Given the amount of work that is being done to protect the Baiji, there is a possibility that the species can be saved and its population slowly restored. This would be a remarkable achievement and it is a cause which everyone should support, as the successful preservation of this species could provide a case study for conservation efforts of other endangered species in the region.
Evidence Of Recovery
Although the Baiji population is still in decline, there is evidence that the conservation efforts are beginning to have a positive impact on the population. In 2014, a census of the species revealed that there had been a slight rise in the population since the previous year, which resulted in a glimmer of hope for this species.
This rise in population numbers can be mainly attributed to the work of the NGO, the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance. The organisation has implemented various conservation strategies throughout the region, striving to preserve the abundance of the species and its habitats.
Viability Of The Species
Despite the signs of recovery, the future of the Baiji is still uncertain. To ensure the future survival of the species, continuous efforts must be taken to monitor the population size, reduce pollution levels in the river, and to limit overfishing, noise, and other human activities.
This includes maintaining a protective habitat, as well as increasing the connectivity between habitats. Moreover, campaigns must continue to be launched in order to raise awareness and to educate the public about the importance of preserving this species.
Projects To Ensure Survival
The River Dolphin Conservation Alliance carries out regular re-introduction projects in the wild, with a reported 25 individuals having been re-introduced since 2006. In addition to its reintroduction programmes, the NGO also takes part in breeding programmes, monitor patrols, and lecture scheduels to educate the local communities and to increase awareness about the decline of this species.
The WWF works alongside the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance, providing financial grants and resources to research projects, as well as to educational programmes about the Baiji. The WWF is also responsible for organising international collaborations with other animal welfare organisations to work towards the same goal of protecting and conserving the species’ population.
Preservation Of Natural Habitats
The preservation of natural habitats is important when it comes to the protection of species, such as the Baiji. Nature reserves can play a key role in the protection of the Yangtze River ecosystems and habitats. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that activities such as illegal fishing, poachers, and boat traffic are prevented to avoid disruption to the species’ habitat.
The WWF and the River Dolphin Conservation Alliance have become advocates for resilience building initiatives of these habitats, focusing on the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems in the region. They are also actively campaigning for the effective implementation of policy-based initiatives to protect these species, particularly in relation to using water management practices that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Although the future of the Baiji is uncertain, there is still hope for this species. To ensure the species’ survival, the collaboration of local, national, and international organisations is essential. This includes the implementation of policy to protect habitats and the continuation of campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of unsustainable environmental practices.
By supporting the efforts of the NGOs and conservation organisations, it is possible that the Baiji could be restored to its former abundance in the river. This could provide a case study for the successful restoration of other endangered species in the region and an example of the positive impacts that conservation can have.
