Chinese River Dolphin (2002)

The Chinese River Dolphin, also known as the Baiji, was officially declared extinct back in 2002. It was one of the 6 species of freshwater dolphin; four of the remaining species are also located in Asia. It was a rare type of freshwater dolphin that lived in the Yangtze River in China and was considered the "Goddess of the Yangtze". In Asia's history the dolphin was known as a sign of good luck to fishermen and boat men in China.

The Baiji dolphin began to face extinction problems once China began a rapid industrialization. The river faced problems with overfishing, hydroelectricity, and increased boating transportation. Due to these factors, the dolphins struggled to compete with fisherman for fish; they were struck by boats and barred out by dams. The Chinese River Dolphin is significant because it is the first dolphin species driven to the point of extinction by humans. Back in 2001 before the species was officially declared extinct, the Chinese government implemented a Conservation Action Plan in order to help save their beloved dolphin. However, in 2006 officials went out to investigate the number of dolphins in the river and to their amazement they could not find even one wild Baiji dolphin.

The Baiji dolphins last hope may have died back in 2002 with the passing of the last ever captive Baiji dolphin named Qiqi. The last shred of mystery surrounding the disappearance of this species was in August of 2007 when a Chinese man videotaped what he believed to be a large Chinese River Dolphin. After careful review, scientists believe it could in fact have been the "Goddess of the Yangtze" but there remains no hope as it is most likely very old and stands no chance of producing off spring to save the species. In a last ditch effort the World Wildlife Fund has demanded that Baiji dolphin habitats are preserved incase there are a few others remaining and there is a possibility for them to be saved. Despite the slight glimmer of hope back in 2007, an article put out by National Geographic in 2016 remains skeptical and says that it was unlikely to have been a Baiji dolphin and that we should not have hope. Rest in Peace Yangtze Chinese River Dolphin, I guess your 20 million year run has finally come to an end.

The Yangtze Finless porpoise still remains in the river in China and therefore we cannot give up hope. The Chinese government needs to continue to protect and alleviate the damage they have caused in order to prevent the finless porpoise from going extinct like its close relative.

References

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/12/061214-dolphin-extinct_2.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baiji

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/baiji-extinct-river-dolphin-china-sighting-conservation/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIBtHtF9JlU

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/10-animals-presumed-extinct-in-the-last-decade/baiji-dolphin

http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/dolphins/chinese-river-dolphin.html