Did the Yangtze River dolphin face extinction?
Did humans cause their extinction?
The Yangtze River dolphin is part of the five dolphin species that are known as river dolphins. The four other species are: the Pink River dolphin, the Franciscana dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin and the Indus River dolphin. The Yangtze River dolphin is also known as the Chinese River dolphin as the Yangtze River is located in China.
Like all river dolphins, the Yangtze River dolphin has been facing difficult environmental changes in the name of “progress” according to humans. In their case, these obstacles are: pollution, fishing practices, fishing nets, hydroelectric dams and the amount of boats traveling up and down the river.
Pollution has been responsible for diseases affecting the health of these fresh water mammals. Fishing nets represent another threat to these dolphins as they follow the fish, get trapped into the fishing nets and end up drowning.
Despite the fact that the Yangtze River dolphin has been protected by laws since 1975, fishermen do not hesitate to slaughter dolphins if they believe them to be responsible ripping their nets or diminishing the quantity of fish being caught due to their feeding habits.
In fact, some fishermen have been known to have a “dolphin season” during which they hunt, trap and slaughter pods of dolphins. Another important risk are these hydroelectric dams as well as boat traffic which are often responsible for hurting and even killing several members of the Yangtze River dolphin’s population.
A few years ago, the population of the Yangtze River dolphin was estimated to be between 200 and 300 individuals. Unfortunately, since 2002, no Yangtze River dolphin has been seen, which may very well mean that this specie that not so long ago was considered to be part of the critically endangered species may have faced extinction in the last few years.
Could mankind have caused their extinction due to their lack of protection despite the protective laws that were established in 1975? Could humans’ stubbornness and lack of respect for these laws have finally destroyed all individuals belonging to the Yangtze River a.k.a. Chinese River specie? Is it too late to save these river dolphins? Only time will tell but as far as facts and surveys are concerned, the lack of data seems to lead to the following result: the Yangtze River dolphin is considered to be extinct.
Isn’t it sad to know that humans can destroy in a few years what Mother Nature has created over millions of years? If “progress” is responsible for the extinction of the whole specie of a living creature, is it worth it? Can’t progress be monitored in a way that it prevents destruction? After all, what is now gone, will never be again! Let’s avoid extinction and destruction of other species by REALLY protecting them.
About the Author
My name is Sylvie Leochko. I am fascinated by dolphins, which is why I love to share all kind of interesting facts about dolphins with others. If you wish to learn more about these friendly mammals, I invite you to visit the following site: http://www.dolphins-and-more.com .
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