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Yangtze Finless Porpoise


  • Status
    Critically Endangered
  • Population
  • Scientific Name
    Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis
  • Length
    6.2 feet
  • Habitats
    Lakes & Rivers

The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, used to be one of the only two rivers in the world that was home to two different species of dolphin—the Yangtze finless porpoise and the Baiji dolphin. However, in 2006 the Baiji dolphin was declared functionally extinct. This was the first time in history that an entire species of dolphin had been wiped off the planet because of human activity. Its close cousin, the Yangtze finless porpoise, is known for its mischievous smile and has a level of intelligence comparable to that of a gorilla.

Saving the Finless Porpoise


finless porpoise up close


  • Population 1000-1800
  • Extinction Risk Critically Endangered
    1. EX

      No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died

    2. EW
      Extinct in the Wild


    3. CR
      Critically Endangered

      Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild

    4. EN

      Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild

    5. VU

      Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild

    6. NT
      Near Threatened

      Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future

    7. LC
      Least Concern


Yangtze Finless Porpoise Overfishing

Finless porpoises need an abundant food supply for survival. The destruction of the Baiji dolphin food supply was central to its extinction. Overfishing is the main factor that contributes to the decrease in finless porpoises’ food supply, but pollution and ship movement are factors as well.

What WWF Is Doing

Yangtze Finless Porpoise

WWF works to protect the Yangtze River, home to some of China's most spectacular natural scenery. The Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. 

Since 2002, WWF and partners have reconnected more than 40 floodplain lakes with the main stem of the Yangtze River to restore seasonal flows and allow the migration of species, like the finless porpoise, between the lakes and the river. This contributes to a secure food supply for the Yangtze finless porpoise. WWF also works to provide fishermen with feasible alternatives for income generation. This helps to develop the economy, stop overfishing and allows fishermen to contribute to the protection of the finless porpoise.

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