Yangtze Finless Porpoise
Neophocaena asiaeorientalis
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredMammalia · Cetacea · Phocoenidae
About
The Yangtze finless porpoise is a species of toothed whale in the family Phocoenidae, the porpoise family. It is endemic to the Yangtze River in China, making it the country's only known freshwater cetacean following the possible extinction of the baiji, a freshwater dolphin also native to the Yangtze. The Yangtze finless porpoise is considered critically endangered and it is estimated that only about 1,249 in 2023 remain. This small toothed whale faces many of the same threats as the baiji: high human activity on the Yangtze, such as illegal fishing, pollution, boat traffic, and dam construction. Due to the rapidly declining population of the species, the Chinese government and conservation charities are working to help save it from extinction.
Fun Fact
Yangtze finless porpoises are the only freshwater porpoises left in Asia — there are fewer than 1,000 — and they use a built-in sonar system so precise they can detect a 1-cm wire in murky water.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Freshwater rivers and lakes
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
20-25 years
Threats
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Dam Construction
- Small Population Size