Did The Yangtze River Dolphin Face Extinction?

The Yangtze River dolphin is part of the five dolphinseveral members of the Yangtze River dolphin's
species that are known as river dolphins. The fourpopulation.
other species are: the Pink River dolphin, theA few years ago, the population of the Yangtze River
Franciscana dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin and thedolphin was estimated to be between 200 and 300
Indus River dolphin. The Yangtze River dolphin is alsoindividuals. Unfortunately, since 2002, no Yangtze River
known as the Chinese River dolphin as the Yangtzedolphin has been seen, which may very well mean that
River is located in China.this specie that not so long ago was considered to be
Like all river dolphins, the Yangtze River dolphin haspart of the critically endangered species may have
been facing difficult environmental changes in thefaced extinction in the last few years.
name of "progress" according to humans. In their case,Could mankind have caused their extinction due to
these obstacles are: pollution, fishing practices, fishingtheir lack of protection despite the protective laws that
nets, hydroelectric dams and the amount of boatswere established in 1975? Could humans' stubbornness
traveling up and down the river.and lack of respect for these laws have finally
Pollution has been responsible for diseases affectingdestroyed all individuals belonging to the Yangtze River
the health of these fresh water mammals. Fishing netsa.k.a. Chinese River specie? Is it too late to save these
represent another threat to these dolphins as theyriver dolphins? Only time will tell but as far as facts and
follow the fish, get trapped into the fishing nets and endsurveys are concerned, the lack of data seems to
up drowning.lead to the following result: the Yangtze River dolphin is
Despite the fact that the Yangtze River dolphin hasconsidered to be extinct.
been protected by laws since 1975, fishermen do notIsn't it sad to know that humans can destroy in a few
hesitate to slaughter dolphins if they believe them to beyears what Mother Nature has created over millions of
responsible ripping their nets or diminishing the quantityyears? If "progress" is responsible for the extinction of
of fish being caught due to their feeding habits.the whole specie of a living creature, is it worth it?
In fact, some fishermen have been known to have aCan't progress be monitored in a way that it prevents
"dolphin season" during which they hunt, trap anddestruction? After all, what is now gone, will never be
slaughter pods of dolphins. Another important risk areagain! Let's avoid extinction and destruction of other
these hydroelectric dams as well as boat traffic whichspecies by REALLY protecting them.
are often responsible for hurting and even killing