I’ve been digging into the Yangtze finless porpoise lately, and I’m both hopeful and heartbroken. This porpoise is China’s only freshwater porpoise once there were many, and now there are roughly 1,249 left (based on a 2022 survey). What’s wild is that number seems to be rebounding slowly. Earlier estimates for this species put them in the 1,000 – 1,800 range. They’re called the “smiling angel of the Yangtze” their faces curve upward, almost like a smile. But this smile is fragile. Their river home is under constant stress: pollution, boat traffic, dams, habitat loss, and fishing gear all weigh heavy.
Credits: natural History Museum
What gives me hope is that conservation measures seem to be making a difference. The 2022 count showed growth vs earlier years. There has also been stricter protection, fishing bans, and habitat restoration. But the fight isn’t won. One catastrophic flood, a spike in pollution, or a big shipping accident could undo years of progress. Do you think we can reach a balance where rivers can support human growth and creatures like this porpoise? Or is the world already too tilted?
It's really sad, due to the quick industrialization of China back in the 50s, the Yangtze became one of the most poluted Rivers in the world, especially with little to no regulation. There have been countless fauna killed
You’re absolutely right the rapid industrialization left a deep mark on the Yangtze and so many of the species that depended on it. It’s heartbreaking to think how much life was lost in the process. I truly hope the lessons from that time push us to protect what’s left before it’s too late.
Exactly! The Yangtze River dolphin is one of my favorite cetaceans