Background information of the Yangtze River Dolphin
The Yangtze River Dolphin, one of the rarest species in the world, was declared functionally extinct in 2006. It had been an integral part of China’s culture and tradition for centuries, playing a central role in folklore and inspiring admiration for centuries. It was the first cetacean to be described in a scientific journal, at the beginning of the 19th century.
The last Yangtze River Dolphin was seen in 2002, in the Poyang Lake, which is connected to the Yangtze River. These dolphins, also known by their scientific name “lipotes vexillifer”, were originally spreading throughout China’s longest river, the Yangtze and its many riverside tributaries.
First Description of the Yangtze River Dolphin
The Yangtze River Dolphin was first described and scientifically named in 1846. Johann Andreas von Hess, a German scientist, published the original description and scientific name in the journal, “Archiv für Naturgeschichte”, under the title ‘Zur Naturgeschichte und Abbildung eines neuen Delphinus.’
In his article, Hess described the morphological characteristics of the Yangtze River Dolphin, noting physical features such as its elongated neck and small head, distinguishing it from other dolphins. He also noted that the species had a light grey colouration on the back and white colouration on the underside and discussed its diet, behaviour and behaviours. His description, however, was largely based on observations from fishermen and was not comprehensive.
Additional Information During the 19th Century
In the 19th century, additional information on the Yangtze River Dolphin was obtained. Scientists soon realised the species was quite different from other dolphins, and the Yangtze River Dolphin soon gained fame throughout the world. Between 1868 and 1871, the Yangtze River Dolphin was observed and studied by the British naturalist, James White. White described the species in greater detail and noted its unique features, whilst exploring the region.
He had the opportunity to observe and describe the Yangtze River Dolphins regularly, as he stayed in the area for more than three years. He also described the different behaviours and diet of the species, which was significantly different from other dolphins. His descriptions were published in his book ‘A Journey Up the Yangtze’ in 1876.
20th Century Experiments on Yangtze River Dolphin
In the early 20th century, a number of experiments on the Yangtze River Dolphin were conducted. In the year 1908, a study was conducted by the Dutch zoologist, L.C.J. Visser, to learn more about the species. He conducted a number of physical and psychological tests, such as measuring its swimming capacity, observing its reactions to sound, and perceiving its ability to find its way in the water. His experiments showed that the Yangtze River Dolphin was particularly sensitive to noise and external stimuli.
Further experiments and observations were also conducted by other scientists, such as the British zoologist, Robert Cundall, in the 1950s. He sought to conduct further experiments on the Yangtze River Dolphin’s morphology, diet and its behaviour in the wild. His studies largely focused on the species’ ability to catch fish and its habits. This further increased our understanding of the Yangtze River Dolphin and its behaviour.
Recent Studies on Yangtze River Dolphin
More recently, biotechnological studies have been conducted on the Yangtze River Dolphin. In the years 2017 to 2019, a genomic analysis was carried out by a team of Chinese scientists. Their research revealed many of the species’ unique adaptations and its ability to survive in thebrackish waters of the Yangtze River. Also, in 2019, Chinese researchers conducted tests on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant effects of the Yangtze River Dolphin’s tissues. The results showed that freshwater dolphins are particularly sensitive to pollutants and environmental changes.
With the dominance of the large Three Gorges Dam, the Yangtze River is increasingly becoming saturated with pollutants, further impacting the survival of the species. In the face of human activities, such as dams, and individual acts of poachers, the Yangtze River Dolphin’s future looks increasingly uncertain.
Effects of Dam Constructions and Pollution on Yangtze River Dolphin
The Yangtze River, the home of the Yangtze River Dolphin, is under serious pressure due to the construction of large dams, like the Three Gorges Dam, and increased industrial and agricultural pollution. The construction of dams has changed the landscape of the Yangtze River and caused a significant decline in the dolphin’s population, due to the loss of their habitat and food.
Furthermore, the water in the Yangtze River is becoming increasingly polluted by agricultural and industrial runoff. This affects the Yangtze River Dolphin’s habitat and food sources and has a profound effect on their health. Pollutants and chemicals, such as PCBs and heavy metals, have been found to accumulate in their organs, leading to a wide range of health issues.
International Regulations for the Protection of Yangtze River Dolphin
The Yangtze River Dolphin is protected under both Chinese and International laws. In 1994, China ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which strictly regulates and restricts the trade of the Yangtze River Dolphin and all its parts.Additionally, China has also included the species in its first-class of protected animals.
Moreover, the Chinese government, along with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has initiated several conservation initiatives to protect the species. These initiatives focus on increasing public awareness and reducing human activities which disturb the dolphin’s natural habitat, such as deliberate fishing and ship traffic.
Conservation and Research Efforts
The Chinese government, in collaboration with conservation organisations, has established a number of conservation programmes and research projects to study the Yangtze River Dolphin. The most notable of these initiatives is the Chinese Travelling Research Station, which focuses on the study of the species’ behaviour and physiology. The programme has been in operation since 2009 and has established three research stations along the Yangtze River to observe and monitor the species.
In recent years, the Chinese Government has also initiated a number of captive breeding programmes to increase the population of the Yangtze River Dolphin. In addition, the Chinese Government has established a number of protected reserves to ensure the species’ survival and protect its natural habitat.
No Proof of Existence Despite Conservation Efforts
Despite the efforts of the Chinese Government and conservation organisations to protect the species, there has been no clear evidence of the Yangtze River Dolphins’ existence in the wild since 2006. Since then, numerous surveys and searches have been conducted to locate the species, but no conclusive evidence has been obtained. Further efforts are needed in order to create a future for the Yangtze River Dolphins.
Effects of Climate Change on Yangtze River Dolphin
Climate change is another major factor that affects the Yangtze River Dolphin’s survival. As the global climate continues to warm, the Yangtze River is being affected by extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and floods.
Droughts reduce the amount of water available for the species, reducing their food sources and potential habitat. On the other hand, floods can cause substantial destruction to their habitat, washing away the vegetation and land structures on which the species relies. Consequently, the Yangtze River Dolphin’s survival is increasingly precarious.
Loss of Biodiversity
The Yangtze River Dolphin’s extinction marks the loss of a key species from the Yangtze ecosystem and one of the world’s most iconic species. Its extinction is yet another example of the human’s devastating impact on biodiversity, and it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet’s species.
The loss of the Yangtze River Dolphin further underscores the threat posed by human activities and pollution on species and their habitats. If we want to protect our natural environment, we must all take responsibility and take measures to protect our flora and fauna.
Alternatives to Conserve Yangtze River Dolphin
Increased awareness, education and research are needed in order to protect the Yangtze River Dolphin and its natural environment. It is essential that the Chinese government continues to invest in conservation and research programmes and collaborates with conservation organisations and governments to protect the species. Additionally, it is important to raise awareness among the wider population and reduce illegal fishing, which threaten the species’ future on a daily basis.
In addition, it is important to invest in programs which aim to reduce pollution and climate change, and to raise public awareness of their detrimental effects on the species. Consequently, if efforts are taken to address the factors that are affecting the Yangtze River Dolphin, it is possible that the species may be saved from extinction.
