A unique and fascinating aquatic mammal native exclusively to the Yangtze River in China. This species is notable for being one of the few freshwater porpoises in the world, and it is distinctively recognized for its lack of a dorsal fin—a feature that distinguishes it from most other porpoise species, which contributes to its name, “finless.” Instead of a fin, the Yangtze finless porpoise has a smooth, rounded back that helps it navigate the murky waters of the Yangtze River with remarkable agility.

One of the most endearing features of the Yangtze finless porpoise is its facial expression. The structure of its face gives it a permanent smile, making it appear friendly and approachable. This, combined with its high level of intelligence and curiosity about its environment, makes it a favorite among researchers and conservationists. These porpoises are known for their playfulness and can often be seen engaging in activities such as breaching (jumping out of the water) and riding the bow waves created by boats.

Despite their charming demeanor, the Yangtze finless porpoises face critical challenges. They are one of the most threatened cetacean species due to their limited habitat in one of the world’s busiest rivers. The primary threats include habitat loss due to river traffic, pollution, and overfishing, which reduces their sources of food. The construction of dams and other river modifications have also significantly altered their natural habitat, contributing to a decline in their population.

Their diet primarily consists of fish and small aquatic animals. They use echolocation, a biological sonar, to navigate and find food in the turbid waters of the river. This involves emitting sound waves that bounce off objects and return echoes, which helps them detect the size, shape, and location of their prey.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

China

2017

Japan

2017

Korea

2017

North Korea

2017

Presence Uncertain

Taiwan

2017

Seasonality Uncertain