The Biggest Threat to Yangtze River Finless Porpoise's Survival - Water Pollution

Yangtze River Finless Porpoise is the only freshwater mammal in Yangtze River. Its mouth corners quirk up naturally and seems that it is smiling all the time. There are only about 1200-1500 Yangtze River finless porpoises now. That number is even less than the number of pandas and is dropping with an annual decrease of 5%-10% on average.

A number of students from Hohai University took part in the Wetland Ambassador Action. They interviewed relevant fishery departments and fishermen and sample tested the water in Yangtze River. They found that the water pollution, food reduction and the development of wetland are the main reasons for the decrease of Yangtze River finless porpoise. Among which water pollution has been the biggest threat for the survival of Yangtze River finless porpoise. The coming 10-15 years are thought to be the most vital period for the protection of Yangtze River finless porpoise.

Wetland Ambassador Action is a global public-service activity put forth by World Wildlife Fund. It holds various theme activities all over the world and selects its partner among the civil environmental protection associations. The theme in China this year is "Seek the Last Shelter for Yangtze River Finless Porpoise". Hohai University Students Association of Science was selected and aided by World Wildlife Fund. They investigated the living environment of Yangtze River finless porpoise at Nanjing reaches of Yangtze River during their summer holiday. They will keep collecting information for the protection of Yangtze River finless porpoise and conduct the publicity activities in communities so as to strengthen civilians' awareness of Yangtze River finless porpoise protection.