Introduction to the Baiji

The Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), also known as the Yangtze River dolphin, was a freshwater dolphin species endemic to China\'s Yangtze River system. With its long, narrow beak and pale blue-gray color, this graceful creature was often called the "Goddess of the Yangtze" in Chinese folklore. For centuries, the Baiji coexisted with human populations along Asia\'s longest river, but modern industrialization ultimately led to its tragic demise.

Physical Characteristics

Baijis were relatively small cetaceans, measuring 1.4-2.5 meters (4.6-8.2 feet) in length and weighing 135-230 kilograms (300-510 lbs). They had:

• A long, slightly upturned beak with 30-36 conical teeth per side
• Small, poorly functional eyes adapted to murky river waters
• A low triangular dorsal fin
• Pale bluish-gray coloration that lightened with age

Their poor eyesight suggested they relied heavily on echolocation for navigation and hunting.

Habitat and Behavior

The Baiji was exclusively found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including connecting lakes. These dolphins:

• Preferred confluences where tributaries joined the main river
• Fed primarily on small freshwater fish
• Lived in small groups of 3-7 individuals
• Were generally shy and avoided boats

Their average lifespan was estimated at 24 years in the wild.

Causes of Extinction

The Baiji population declined dramatically during the 20th century due to:

1. Industrialization: Dam construction (especially the Three Gorges Dam) destroyed habitats
2. Ship traffic: Increased boat collisions and noise pollution disrupting echolocation
3. Overfishing: Reduced food supply and accidental bycatch in fishing gear
4. Pollution: Industrial and agricultural runoff contaminated the river

From an estimated 6,000 individuals in the 1950s, the population dwindled to about 400 by the 1980s.

Extinction and Legacy

In December 2006, after an extensive six-week survey failed to locate any specimens, the Baiji was declared "functionally extinct" - making it the first cetacean species driven to extinction by human activity. This tragic event:

• Marked the disappearance of an entire mammal family (Lipotidae)
• Highlighted the ecological consequences of rapid industrialization
• Spurred conservation efforts for other endangered river dolphins

While unconfirmed sightings occasionally surface, most scientists consider the Baiji lost forever - a sobering reminder of humanity\'s impact on fragile ecosystems.