The Baiji, also known as Baijia or the Chinese river dolphin, is an aquatic mammal that was native to the Yangtze River in China. The Baiji dolphin is a freshwater dolphin species and was one of the few species of dolphins that lived exclusively in freshwater.
They were known for their unique pink color, long snout, and their ability to communicate with each other through a series of high-pitched clicks and whistles. Sadly, the Baiji dolphin is believed to be extinct, and the last confirmed sighting of a Baiji dolphin was in 2002. Habitat degradation, illegal fishing practices, pollution, and shipping traffic were the primary causes of their decline and eventual extinction.
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Superfamily: | Lipotoidea |
| Family: | Lipotidae |
| Genus: | Lipotes |
| Species: | L. vexillifer |
The Baiji dolphin belongs to the family Lipotidae, which is the only surviving family of the infraorder Cetacea. The infraorder Cetacea comprises whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The Baiji was the only species of the Lipotidae family, and they were the only freshwater dolphins found in China.
Baiji Facts
- The Baiji dolphin was also known as the Chinese river dolphin, Yangtze dolphin, whitefin dolphin, and the Goddess of the Yangtze.
- They were the only freshwater dolphins found in China and lived exclusively in the Yangtze River.
- They were known for their unique pink color, long snout, and their ability to communicate with each other through a series of high-pitched clicks and whistles.
- The primary reasons for their decline and eventual extinction were habitat degradation, illegal fishing practices, pollution, and shipping traffic.
- The last confirmed sighting of a Baiji dolphin was in 2002, and they are believed to be extinct.
Appearance
The Baiji dolphin had a unique pink color, which made them easy to distinguish from other river dolphins. They had a long and slender snout, which was longer than any other known river dolphin species. Their dorsal fin was triangular and curved, and their flippers were rounded. They had a robust body and weighed between 110 and 150 kg (240 to 330 lbs). Their average length was about 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), but they could grow up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length.
Distribution and Habitat
The Baiji dolphin was native to the Yangtze River in China, and their habitat was limited to the middle and lower reaches of the river. They lived exclusively in freshwater and were not known to venture out into the sea. The Yangtze River is the third-longest river in the world and is the longest river in Asia, with a length of about 6,300 km (3,915 miles).
The river flows from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, and its basin is home to about one-third of China’s population. The Baiji dolphin’s habitat was severely affected by human activities such as pollution, dam building, and shipping traffic, which ultimately led to their decline and eventual extinction.
Biology of the Animal
The Baiji dolphin is one of the smallest species of river dolphins and is only found in the Yangtze River. They have a unique look with a long, narrow snout and a small forehead. Baijis can grow up to 2.5 meters in length and can weigh up to 135 kilograms. They have a grayish-blue color on their upper body and a lighter color on their lower body. Baijis have poor eyesight and use echolocation to navigate and locate their prey.
Baiji Behavior
Baiji dolphins are social animals and are usually found in groups of two to three individuals. They are active during the day and are known to be playful, often seen riding the bow waves of boats. They are also known for their acrobatic skills, such as leaping out of the water and doing flips.
Baiji Diet
Baiji dolphins are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, such as carp and catfish. They use their echolocation to locate their prey and catch them with their sharp teeth. Baijis are also known to feed on shrimps and crabs.
Baiji Life Span
The average lifespan of a Baiji dolphin is around 20 years. However, their lifespan in the wild is uncertain due to the decline in their population.
Reproduction
Baiji dolphins reach sexual maturity at around 4-5 years of age. They mate during the months of March and April, and the gestation period lasts around 10-11 months. Females give birth to a single calf, and the mother takes care of the calf for around 2 years. The Baiji’s reproductive rate is low, which is one of the factors contributing to their endangered status.
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Relationship with Humans
The Baiji dolphin has had a significant impact on Chinese culture, as it is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune. However, human activities have been one of the main factors contributing to the decline of the Baiji population. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam, overfishing, and pollution have all contributed to the decline of the Baiji population.
Predators
The Baiji dolphin does not have any natural predators. However, humans have been the main cause of their decline, as they have been hunted for their meat, oil, and skin.
Conclusion
The Baiji River Dolphin was a unique and fascinating species that once inhabited the Yangtze River in China. Unfortunately, the species is now considered functionally extinct due to various human activities that led to the destruction of its habitat and food sources. It is a stark reminder of the impact that human activities can have on the environment and the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
FAQs about the Baiji River Dolphin
Q: How many Baiji Dolphins are left in the world in 2021?
A: Unfortunately, the Baiji River Dolphin was declared functionally extinct in 2006, which means there are no known individuals of this species left in the world today.
Q: When did the Baiji White Dolphin go extinct?
A: The Baiji River Dolphin, also known as the Baiji White Dolphin, was declared functionally extinct in 2006, which means that there are no known individuals left in the world today.
Q: Why did the Baiji River Dolphin go extinct?
A: The main reasons behind the extinction of the Baiji River Dolphin are believed to be human activities, such as dam building, water pollution, and overfishing. These activities led to the destruction of the dolphin’s habitat and food sources, ultimately resulting in the species’ demise.
Q: When did the Baiji go extinct?
A: The Baiji River Dolphin, also known as the Baiji White Dolphin, was declared functionally extinct in 2006, which means that there are no known individuals left in the world today.
Q: Where did the Baiji River Dolphin live?
A: The Baiji River Dolphin was native to the Yangtze River in China and was primarily found in the middle and lower reaches of the river. However, due to the species’ extinction, it is no longer found anywhere in the world.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
