Baiji
The baiji, or Chinese river dolphin, was native only to China's Yangtze River. The baiji was declared "functionally extinct" in 2006.
Illustration by Else Bostelmann, National Geographic
On December 12, 2006, biologists declared the baiji (Chinese river dolphin) "functionally extinct." The international authority on endangered species (the IUCN) classifies the baiji as “critically endangered,” although there have been no confirmed baiji sightings in recent years.
Baiji were freshwater dolphins, one of only four known species. They were indigenous to China's Yangtze River. Their numbers fell from more than 6,000 in the 1950s to about 400 by 1984. Factors contributing to their extinction include fishing, dams, and industrial pollution.
biologist
Noun
scientist who studies living organisms.
dam
Noun
structure built across a river or other waterway to control the flow of water.
extinct
Adjective
no longer existing.
factor
Noun
element contributing to an event or outcome.
fish
Verb
to catch or harvest fish.
freshwater
Adjective
having to do with a habitat or ecosystem of a lake, river, or spring.
industrial
Adjective
having to do with factories or mechanical production.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Noun
environmental organization concerned with preserving natural ecosystems and habitats.
