The Baiji

"'The last confirmed sighting of a Baiji was in 2002, the same year that the sole surviving captive animal — a male called Qi Qi — died. Since then, fishermen have reported seeing Yangtze river dolphins on three occasions but scientists says it is impossible to confirm the sightings.' A scientific expedition in 2006 carried out an extensive survey along Yangtze from Yichang to Shanghai but the team failed to find any evidence that the species survives and concluded that the Yangtze river dolphin is probably extinct a victim of by-catch in local fisheries and the rapid development and degradation of the Yangtze River."

- New Scientist & NOAA

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Choose sustainable seafood so fishing gear and nets don’t threaten remaining river dolphins, like the Yangtze finless porpoise.

• Support river-restoration and clean-water projects that protect freshwater ecosystems across Asia.

• Avoid products that contribute to river pollution, especially cheap textiles and chemical-heavy goods that contaminate waterways.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO HELP

Visit:

• Global Coalition for River Dolphin Conservation

• World Wildlife Fund - Freshwater & River Dolphins Initiative

• River Cleanup