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Yangtze Finless Porpoise
Neophocaena asiaeorientalis
The world's only freshwater porpoise — the 'smiling angel of the Yangtze' — swims where the baiji dolphin was already lost.
- Range
- China
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- The Yangtze River and its great lakes, Poyang and Dongting
The story
After the Yangtze's baiji dolphin was declared functionally extinct in 2007, China moved to spare its porpoise the same fate: a ten-year fishing ban across the entire river, relocations to oxbow reserves, and the first population increase ever recorded — up 23% since 2017.
What's killing them
- Vessel traffic and propeller strikes
- Sand mining destroying habitat
- Historic overfishing of prey
- Pollution
Who's fighting for them
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
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Quick answers
How many Yangtze Finless Porpoises are left in the world?
Approximately ~1,250. The Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is recovering. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Yangtze Finless Porpoise live?
The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is found in China (Asia). Their habitat: The Yangtze River and its great lakes, Poyang and Dongting.
Why is the Yangtze Finless Porpoise endangered?
The main threats to the Yangtze Finless Porpoise are: Vessel traffic and propeller strikes; Sand mining destroying habitat; Historic overfishing of prey; Pollution.
Who is working to save the Yangtze Finless Porpoise?
Organisations working on Yangtze Finless Porpoise conservation include World Wide Fund for Nature; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.