A Chinese news agency announced early December 2006 that a six-week survey of the Yangtze River had failed to detect any baijis (Chinese river dolphins). The species was declared functionally extinct on December 13, 2006.
In the 1950s, the baiji population was estimated at 6000 but by 1970, only a few hundred were left. For years, humans had hunted the baiji and other species using illegal practices, such as electric fishing. Other causes for the baiji's decline were over-fishing, collisions with boats and ships, and pollution. There was a failure to determine what the impact construction the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River would have on the baiji.
Pollution in the water resulted in diseases and pathogens which have also caused the decline in the species.
Although hunting the baiji was declared illegal in China in 1983, the animal was still hunted.
However, there have been a few unsubstantiated sightings of the baiji since 2007. Even if these are confirmed, are there enough of the baiji left to repopulate the species?
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