Yangtze Finless Porpoise Numbers on the Rise

In Hukou County, Jiangxi province, the confluence of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake has witnessed a notable resurgence in the population of Yangtze finless porpoises, a species that had become increasingly rare since the 1980s and 1990s. Local fisherman Shu reported that sightings of these creatures have become more frequent, with instances of mother porpoises and their pups now observed. This positive trend follows a four-year fishing ban in the Jiangxi section of the Yangtze River Basin, which has been complemented by various conservation initiatives aimed at restoring aquatic life. According to a 2017 survey by the ministry, the overall population of finless porpoises in the Yangtze River Basin was recorded at 1,012. Conservation efforts have included habitat protection, relocation of porpoises, and the establishment of artificial breeding programs. Poyang Lake, a crucial habitat for these porpoises, was found to host 492 individuals in a 2022 survey, representing nearly 40 percent of the total population. However, the fluctuating water levels in Poyang Lake pose challenges for marine life, particularly during the dry season when the lake's surface area diminishes significantly. This seasonal change can lead to porpoises becoming stranded in isolated "plate lakes." In response, local protection teams have implemented emergency measures, including feeding and relocating stranded porpoises. During a severe drought in February of the previous year, over 100 porpoises were forced from shallow waters into deeper areas, prompting the successful relocation of eight individuals to care facilities in Anhui and Hubei. These ongoing conservation efforts highlight the importance of protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise and its habitat.