As winter approaches, ecological protection officers in Jiangxi Province are taking critical steps to ensure the survival of the endangered Yangtze finless porpoises in Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Chinese mainland.
The Poyang Lake Aquatic Life Protection Center in Yugan County has released 18,000 live bait fish, including four major Chinese carp and crucian carp, into the areas where the porpoises congregate. \"We released about 300 kilograms of 10-centimeter-long small fish, which are the finless porpoises' favorite food. We will replenish water and relocate the finless porpoises according to the subsequent hydrological situation to ensure that the animals will survive the winter safely,\" explained Wan Shengben, office director of the Yugan County Poyang Lake Wetland Ecological Protection Center.
The Yangtze finless porpoises inhabit the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, encompassing Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake, and the mainstream of the Yangtze. Classified as a wild animal under national first-class protection, these porpoises are vital indicators of the Yangtze ecosystem's health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
A 2022 scientific investigation revealed that the population of Yangtze finless porpoises had rebounded to 1,249, with approximately 492 residing in Poyang Lake. However, this autumn brought an early dry season to Poyang Lake, causing water levels to drop below the extremely dry water level line on October 9, reducing the habitat space for the porpoises.
Preliminary research indicates that during the dry season, the habitat of the endangered porpoises in Poyang Lake is gradually expanding towards the northern and southern waterways and tributaries like the Xinjiang River and Ganjiang River. These efforts are crucial in adapting to the changing hydrological conditions and ensuring the continued survival of the species.
Reference(s):
Ensuring winter survival for rare porpoises in east China's lake
cgtn.com
