By: Ashley Cooper

Lipotes vexillifer Scientific name: Lipotes vexillifer. Common names: Baiji, Yangtze River Dolphin, Whitefin Dolphin, Chinese Lake Dolphin, and White Flag Dolphin, White Dolphin, and Changjiang Dolphin

China Found in the Yangtze River in China.

About this dolphin: Long, narrow and slightly up curved snout Skin: light bluish-gray above and white on its underside Can only live in freshwater They use a process called echolocation- involves emitting sound waves that bounce off objects in the water revealing their size and distance. Used for locating food and recognizing danger, such as boats Eat freshwater fish species, ex: eel-like catfish. Groups of up to 16 individuals Little is known about their reproductive behavior Females give birth to only 1 calf after a gestation period of 6 to 12 months

Why is this dolphin endangered? Habitat destruction Overfishing Pollution Accidents during heavy river traffic The species is legally protected, but after a six-week scientific survey in the summer of 2007, conservationists concluded that the species may now be extinct

How many left? Last sighting reported 13 living on September 1, 2007 Less than 25 living today

What’s being done to save them? Conservation specialists are preparing to search waterways Bringing back survivors and putting them into a semi- natural reserve Create a series of rivers as their ecosystem Chances for survival are slim

Quiz Time 1. What color is this dolphin? 2. Where was it found? 3. Why is it endangered? 4. When was their last sighting? 5. What kind of water do they have to live in?

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