In November 2006, baiji.org Foundation will organize in partnership with the Institute for Hydrobiology and chinese administrations a survey of the baiji’s entire range - following the conclusion of the international "Workshop on the Conservation of China’s Baiji and Yangtze Finless Porpoise 2004" In order to ensure the best possible techniques and equipment are used for the range-wide expedition - baiji.org will organize a pilot survey in March 06.

Pilot Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition – March 2006

The pilot is a fundamental component of the Range-Wide (IHB-Baiji.org) Yangtze Freshwater Dolphin Expedition planned for Nov 06. The onboard training - given by world-class international cetacean specialists - will prepare Chinese scientists with the necessary skills and expertise to provide Chinese decision-makers with a reliable data and information platform for designing and implementing conservation management factors for the entire Yangtze River and its critically endangered flagship inhabitants.

Starting on March 15th and finishing on March 22nd - the UN’s designated day for World Water – the pilot expedition promises to be one of the most innovative human capacity building exercises in cetacean conservation history. One large research vessel will take a team of international specialists and Chinese scientists on a 235km journey up the Yangtze River – on a quest to discover the most effective method for finding and counting China’s rare baiji river dolphins. On their way, they will pass through a well known baiji-hotspot, where they will spend five days deploying state-of-the-art acoustical baiji monitoring equipment and applying cutting-edge dolphin survey techniques in an effort to locate China’s elusive national treasure. Under the direction of leading cetacean specialists, Jay Barlow and Bob Pitman of SWFSC NOAA - the team will exchange ideas, develop expertise and collect vital data for developing the ultimate survey methodology to assess the status of this critically endangered mammal and the conservation needs of its threatened freshwater ecosystem.

Background

The baiji is the world’s most endangered cetacean, it is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN 1996), and its prospects for survival are considered to be extremely doubtful. The abundance of the baiji has shown a continuous decline since the 1970’s and now is thought to number no more than a few tens of individuals. If the species is to be saved conservation needs to be immediately targeted where it will have maximum positive impact on the species. Effective conservation of the baiji is therefore dependent upon up to date information on distribution and abundance.

Problem

Chinese biologists conducted the last survey of the whole range of the baiji over 8 years ago, recording 13 individuals (Zhang et al., 2003). Since this time no abundance surveys of the entire range of the species have been conducted due to lack of funds.

Baiji.org-IHB Initiative

It is planned to conduct a status assessment survey to collect scientifically robust data on distribution, abundance and density of the baiji and Yangtze finless porpoise.

Survey Objectives

1. Establish priority areas for conservation based on cetacean abundance and density.
2. Estimate density and abundance of the Yangtze River dolphin;
3. Estimate density and abundance of the Yangtze finless porpoise;
4. Evaluate declines in the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of Yangtze River dolphin and Yangtze finless porpoise;
5. Assess habitat quality, disturbance and threats to cetaceans in the Yangtze River;
6. Describe Yangtze River dolphin fluvial habitat preferences; and
7. Encourage cooperation among Asian river cetacean scientists
8. Raise awareness of the global freshwater challenge

Significance

Updated information on the status of the baiji will allow decisions to be made regarding the best remaining avenues for conserving the species (Workshop on the Conservation of China’s Baiji River Dolphin and Yangtze Finless Porpoise 2004) and will highlight hotspots where future conservation activities can be targeted to be most effective.

Get Involved

Governments, NGO’s and corporations must work together and act now to reduce the unsustainable pressure being placed on the Baiji's freshwater habitat. Baiji.org Foundation invites you to jump on board and join this urgent research effort. If your organization would like to get involved or support the 2006 Yangtze Expedition please e-mail us at contact@baiji.org