Skip to Content

10 Facts about China’s Endangered “Smiling Angel,” An Animal Desperately Fighting for Survival

The smiling angel
China's Smiling Angel. Image created via Canva Pro

The Yangtze finless porpoise, often called the “Smiling Angel” of the Yangtze River, is one of the world’s most captivating and critically endangered species. With its unique curved mouth that resembles a perpetual smile, this charismatic animal has become a symbol of both hope and urgency for conservationists. As one of the few freshwater cetaceans in the world, this near extinct species is a vital part of China’s aquatic biodiversity.

Unfortunately, the “Smiling Angel” is fighting for survival, facing the grim reality of dwindling numbers due to human activities. Here are 10 facts about the Yangtze Finless Porpoise including its challenges to survival, ongoing conservation efforts, and how individuals can contribute to its conservation.

#1 A Rare Gem in China’s Waters

Yangtze Finless porpoise
View of endangered Yangtze finless porpoise. Image by Chinalmages via Depositphotos

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is not just any river species. Found exclusively in the freshwater stretches of the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, this porpoise is known for its intelligence and playful behavior, often delighting those lucky enough to spot it. However, human activities have significantly degraded its population over the years limiting it to only a small region in Chin. The porpoises depend on the river’s shallow waters and abundant fish to survive, frequently found in its main channel as well as connected lakes and tributaries. Its limited habitat makes it incredibly vulnerable to environmental changes and human interference.

#2 Unique Characteristics: The Smiling Angel of the Yangtze

The smiling angel
China’s Smiling Angel. Image created via Canva Pro

Distinguished by their lack of dorsal fins, hence the name “finless,” these porpoises display a round, robust figure that aids in maneuverability through riverine environments. They are famously known for their perpetual “smile,” a result of their mouth’s natural shape, which endears them to locals and conservationists alike. Typically, 2 meters long, these sociable creatures often travel in small groups, navigating and hunting with remarkable agility.

#3 It is Extremely Intelligent

 rare capture of Yangtze finless porpoise
Rare Capture of Yangtze Finless Porpoise in Pyongyang Lake. Image by Chinalmages via Depositphotos

An extraordinary fact about the Yangtze finless porpoise is that it possesses remarkable intelligence, rivaling that of a gorilla or a dolphin. It has a highly developed brain and uses echolocation to navigate the murky waters of the Yangtze River, allowing it to detect objects as small as a tennis ball from hundreds of feet away despite limited visibility.

#4 Habitat Loss: A Major Threat

One of the most pressing issues the Yangtze finless porpoise faces is the destruction of its habitat. Rapid industrialization and urbanization along the Yangtze River have caused severe degradation of the water quality and the surrounding environment. With pollution pouring into the river, including heavy metals and agricultural runoff, the porpoise’s food sources have been contaminated, leading to a scarcity of fish, their primary diet.

#5 Pollution: A Silent Killer

Yangtze River passing through industrial region
Yangtze River pollution is a major threat to the finless porpoise

Water pollution is a critical factor in the porpoise’s decline. Industrial waste and agricultural chemicals have led to poor water quality in the Yangtze River, severely affecting the health of this delicate species. The constant influx of pollutants, from pesticides to plastics, makes it increasingly difficult for the Yangtze finless porpoise to survive in what was once a thriving habitat.

#6 The Danger of Boat Traffic

Wuhan Dock on Yangtze, China
Wuhan Dock on Yangtze, China. Image by Chinalmages via Depositphotos

The Yangtze River is one of the busiest waterways in the world, and the constant movement of boats has created a deadly environment for the porpoises. Collisions with boats, as well as the noise pollution caused by engines, interfere with the porpoises’ echolocation abilities, making it difficult for them to find food and navigate their environment safely.

#7 It is Now a Critically Endangered Species

Dongting Lake
Dongting Lake. Image created via Canva Pro, Depositphotos.

The Yangtze finless porpoise has been classified as critically endangered and placed on the IUCN red list. With major threats to its population that has reduced its population in the wild to less than 1000, there is a 90% chance the species will be extinct by the next century. Only urgent and drastic action focusing on immediate conservation efforts can ensure the survival of the smiling angel.

#8 China’s Role in Conservation

Tao Tao, the first artificially bred Yangtze finless Porpoise
Tao Tao, the first artificially bred Yangtze Finless Porpoise. Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Chinese government has implemented several conservation measures to protect the Yangtze finless porpoise. In 2018, China announced the Yangtze River Protection Law, aimed at curbing industrial pollution and protecting endangered species, including the porpoise. Additionally, protected nature reserves, such as the Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow Reserve, have been established to provide a safe haven for these animals. A captive artificial breeding programs at the Baiji Aquarium of Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan City has seen some measure of success with Tao Tao the first male finless porpoise now 19 years old. Tao Tao has also helped father one male and one female Yangtze finless porpoise, named “Han Bao” and “Jiu Jiu.”

#9 The Future: A Critical Juncture

Finless porpoise in Oxbow Reserve in Tian-E-Zhou
Oxbow Reserve in Tian-E-Zhou. Source: World Wildlife Fund

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise’s future remains uncertain. Their populations continue to dwindle, and the recent classification as “critically endangered” by the IUCN highlights the urgency of the situation. However, the increased focus on the conservation of the Yangtze River ecosystem, driven by both national and international stakeholders, offers hope. A successful path forward will require coordinated efforts between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.

International organizations have joined China in efforts to conserve the Yangtze finless porpoise. Groups such as the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have been working closely with Chinese authorities to monitor the population, raise awareness, and promote stricter environmental regulations.

#10 How You Can Help: Supporting the Smiling Angel

Female finless porpoise born at breeding center
A female finless porpoise born at the breeding center. Source: YouTube, Uploads: CGTN

Individuals can contribute to the conservation of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise in several ways:
– **Support NGOs**: Donate to organizations involved in porpoise conservation and advocacy.
– **Raise Awareness**: Share information about the species and its plight on social media.
– **Reduce Plastic Use**: Minimize plastic consumption, as a significant amount of waste ends up in waterways, impacting marine life.
– **Responsible Tourism**: When visiting regions like the Yangtze, choose eco-friendly tourism options that respect wildlife conservation efforts.

The plight of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise symbolizes the broader challenges facing freshwater biodiversity amid rapid development. Saving this “Smiling Angel” requires collective action and commitment. By supporting initiatives and remaining informed, we can contribute to ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty and significance of this unique species within its natural habitat. Watch a short video on the first female porpoise born through artificial breeding.

YouTube video

Source: CGTN