The decline of the Yangtze River Dolphin
The Yangtze River Dolphin, once thriving, is now officially declared extinct. The Baiji was its common name, derived from Chinese mythology and meaning ‘white porpoise’. It was known by scientists as Lipotes vexillifer, described as being a chunky species with a blunt beak, grey or near white coloration, and a melon-shaped head which made it the focus of stories and legends from locals.
Sadly, the species’ decline began in the early 1900s, when industrial fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction took hold in the Yangtze River. China’s rise as a large manufacturing country since the 1980s further brought death and destruction to this naturally rare species. Deforestation, water pollutants, and large commercial ships changed the nature of the Baiji’s habitat so quickly and drastically that it could not adapt in time.
Additionally, traditional fisheries — still widespread in China — proved to be another major factor. Hooks and nets increasingly overfished the river, and experts suggest depleted fisheries led the Baiji to seek food in the protected zones nearby, leading to it becoming easy prey. According to experts, these disasters combined proved too much for the species.
Since the 1980s, marine biologists have reported decreasing numbers of the Baiji, with the numbers eventually declining to a few dozen individuals during the 1990s. More recently, during the 2006 survey of the Yangtze River, the last six individuals of the species could not be found, and their presumed extinction was officially declared in December 2006.
The importance of conservation
Since the extinction of the Yangtze River Dolphin, much has been done to raise awareness of the impact of human development on nature. Conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike have used the tragedy to emphasize the importance of conservation and habitat protection, as irreversible damage can be done when biodiversity and the environment are not respected.
The people of China are now being encouraged to take an active role in conserving the environment and its species, as it is advised that different countries must take combined action to reverse the decline of the world’s biodiversity. To this end, the Chinese government has established multiple nature reserves and protects many species, some of which are now flourishing again.
However, the problem of over-fishing remains to be addressed. According to experts, this problem could result in the extinction of other species, too, as the depletion of Yangtze fisheries has already been linked to a decline in the Chinese Paddlefish — a species that has already vanished from the river.
The impact of the Baiji’s extinction
Understanding the reasons why the Yangtze River Dolphin is now extinct is key to developing effective conservation strategies for the future. Its extinction caused a wave of global sorrow, leading to the initiation of a major public awareness campaign in China. The local popularity of the Baiji in the country demonstrated the negative effects of human activity on its environment, creating an opportunity for awareness and education on the importance of environmental protection.
The lasting effect of the Yangtze River Dolphin highlights the importance of conservation and serves as a reminder of the need for countries to work together to protect the environment and its species, so that in the future, other species do not suffer the same fate.
Poaching
It is thought that poaching was an additional contributing factor to the decline in numbers experienced by the Baiji. Hunter-gatherer communities living along the Yangtze have a long history of exploiting species inhabiting the river. Specifically, it’s thought that many individuals of the species were caught and used in traditional Chinese medicine.
This, combined with the practices of commercial fishing, habitat destruction, and pollution, hampered the species’ struggle for survival — leading to their eventual extinction. Although the species was protected by Chinese law and the Wildlife Protection Law of China, the Baiji could not escape from the onslaught of people exploiting the environment.
Modern environmental protection methods
Nowadays, although devastation and destruction of the environment still occur, advances in technology are being used to tackle these issues. Sonar and GPS tracking devices, for example, are used in some areas to stop fishing boats and to monitor endangered species.
Also, boats operating in the Yangtze River are being equipped with advanced notification systems which alert them of any marine species in their vicinity. This is a crucial step forward in the conservation of endangered species, though it is essential to also take a closer look at environmental protection and conservation policies to ensure sustainable fishing in the future.
Public support and education
Educating the public has been a major contributor to the conservation of endangered species and the environment. Many organizations have been set up to raise awareness, with China leading the way in mobilizing public support behind conservation efforts. It is hoped that this increasing public awareness and participationwill allow endangered marine species to be better protected.
Initiatives have also been set up to empower local communities living along the Yangtze River in their efforts to conserve the Baiji. This includes providing them with financial support, resources, and access to education, so that the communities themselves can become involved in the conservation of the environment.
Regulation and policy developments
Government regulatory agencies and policymaking bodies have been working to create and implement regulations, policies, and enforcement of appropriate laws to protect endangered species from extinction. Policies such as the Fishery Law, Wildlife Law, and Fishery Administrative Law all seek to ensure that fishable stocks are conserved, and extensive research explores the global fish population and the impacts we are having on marine species.
Furthermore, international efforts have been made to ensure sustainable fisheries, and China has signed up to international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in an effort to protect endangered marine species from illegal trade.
Voluntary contributions and donations
Lastly, conservation organizations and charities have been working to guarantee the safety of species and create further awareness in the general public. Voluntary contributions, donations, and campaigns have been organized and directed to help support the conservation initiatives being carried out, and many of these initiatives have been successful in raising money to invest into research and conservation efforts.
The Yangtze River Dolphin may have gone extinct, but thanks to the multiple efforts of individuals, organizations, and governments all over the world, progress has been made in the conservation of other endangered species in the region and elsewhere.
