The Brink of Extinction: The Most Endangered Animals in the World

Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze River is not only the longest river in China, but it’s also one of just two rivers on the planet where two species of dolphins have been known to live. Sadly the Baiji dolphin was already declared extinct in 2007 leaving behind the Yangtze Finless Porpoise which could very well meet the same fate.

This freshwater dolphin, known to locals as “jiangzhus” or “river pigs”, are more rare than China’s revered Giant Panda yet little is being done to save the remaining population of around 1000-1800. Snaring, electro fishing, cargo ship propellers, and a shrinking fish population are all contributing factors in the rapid disappearance of the Yangtze finless porpoise and scientists estimate that the species will be completely extinct in around 10-15 years.

There is only one mammal left in the Yangtze river, and it’s critically endangered. Learn more about this shy and smiling finless porpoise. https://t.co/OYvPWFjkBb

— World Wildlife Fund (@World_Wildlife) May 15, 2018