Chinese river dolphin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baiji |
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| An illustration of the baiji | |
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| Size compared to an average human size | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Lipotes
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| Species: |
vexillifer
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| Natural range of the baiji | |
The Chinese river dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer), also known as the baiji, was a special type of river dolphin. It lived only in the Yangtze River in China. The last time someone officially saw a baiji was in 2004. There were a few possible sightings in 2007 and 2016, but they were not confirmed.
In 2007, experts said the baiji was "functionally extinct". This means that even if a few baiji were still alive, there were not enough of them to have babies and keep the species going. The IUCN Red List still lists the baiji as critically endangered, meaning it's very close to extinction, but not officially extinct yet.
What Did the Baiji Look Like?
The baiji was a graceful animal. It had a long, narrow snout that curved slightly upwards. Its neck was flexible, which helped it move around. Unlike some other freshwater dolphins, the baiji's eyes could see, even though they were quite small.
Its body was bluish-gray or gray on top and white or light gray underneath. A full-grown baiji weighed between 135 and 230 kilograms (about 300 to 510 pounds). It could grow up to 2.5 meters (about 8.2 feet) long.
Why Did the Baiji Disappear?
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) listed several reasons why the baiji faced so many threats. These included:
- Hunting: At one point, people hunted the baiji.
- Fishing Gear: Many baiji got caught in fishing nets and gear, which made it hard for them to survive.
- Electric Fishing: Some people used illegal electric fishing methods. This practice harmed or killed the dolphins.
- Boat Collisions: The baiji often crashed into boats and ships moving on the river.
- Habitat Loss: The places where the baiji lived were damaged or disappeared.
- Pollution: The river became polluted, making it unhealthy for the dolphins.
Scientists also found that building the Three Gorges Dam had a big impact on the baiji's home. This dam changed the river's environment, making it harder for the dolphins to live there.
Sadly, the baiji was the first dolphin species that humans caused to become extinct.
Images for kids
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relationships of the Baiji (Lipotes) compared to other dolphins
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Conservation efforts of the baiji along the Yangtze River
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Lianlian and Zhenzhen
See also
In Spanish: Baiji para niños
