The Baiji dolphin, also known as the Yangtze River dolphin, was a freshwater dolphin that inhabited the Yangtze River in China. Unfortunately, the Baiji dolphin was declared functionally extinct in 2006 due to habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing practices. Here are 10 surprising facts about this unique and now extinct species.

1. Baiji dolphins were one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet.

The Baiji dolphin was known to be one of the rarest and most endangered species on the planet. In the early 1980s, there were approximately 400 individuals in the river, but by the time of their extinction, they had dwindled down to just a handful.

2. They were the only known freshwater dolphins in the world.

The Baiji dolphin was the only known species of river dolphin that lived exclusively in freshwater. Unlike other species of dolphins, which typically live in saltwater, Baiji dolphins were found only in the Yangtze River.

3. Baiji dolphins had poor vision.

Scientists believe that the Baiji dolphins had poor vision, which may have contributed to their extinction. Due to the murky waters in which they lived, they relied heavily on echolocation to navigate and hunt for prey.

4. They lived to be around 24 years old.

The average lifespan of a Baiji dolphin was around 24 years old, which is similar to other species of dolphins.

5. The Baiji dolphin had a unique appearance.

The Baiji dolphin had a unique appearance that set it apart from other dolphin species. They were stockier and had a shorter nose, which was useful for navigating through the rocky bottom of the Yangtze River.

6. Baiji dolphins had tiny teeth.

Despite their large size, Baiji dolphins had tiny teeth that were unsuitable for eating large prey. Instead, they fed on small fish, shrimp, and crabs.

7. They were once considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

In ancient Chinese culture, the Baiji dolphin was considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. However, modern industrialization and fishing practices led to the destruction of their habitat and ultimately led to their extinction.

8. The Baiji dolphin was declared extinct in 2006.

In 2006, the Baiji dolphin was declared functionally extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite conservation efforts, including the creation of a reserve area for the species, the last confirmed sighting of a Baiji dolphin was in 2002.

9. A documentary helped raise awareness of their plight.

A documentary titled “Saving the Yangtze River Dolphin” highlighted the plight of the Baiji dolphin and helped raise awareness of their struggle for survival. The film urged people to take action to preserve the natural habitats of endangered species.

10. The extinction of the Baiji dolphin was a wake-up call.

The extinction of the Baiji dolphin was a wake-up call for conservationists around the world. It highlighted the importance of taking action to preserve the habitats of endangered species before it is too late. Although the Baiji dolphin is now extinct, their legacy lives on in the conservation efforts to preserve the habitats of other endangered species.