China's 'Extinct' Dolphin Baiji Spotted In Yangtze River: Conservationists

A decade ago, scientists declared baiji, also known as the "goddess of the Yangtze", functionally extinct. But just recently, a team of Chinese conservationists claims to have seen the extinct dolphin in Yangtze River.

Baiji was declared extinct after doing a six-week search in which nothing was found. It was 2007 when the extinct dolphin was last seen. But last week, witnesses reportedly saw one leaping out of water.

Song Qi, leader of the amateur expedition, said they spotted the baiji more than once in Yangtze River and by two different boats. The team allegedly saw most of the supposedly extinct dolphin's body, mouth, and head. Believing that no other creature could jump out of the river like the way the dolphin did, as Song told Sixth Tone, the witnesses felt certain they saw a baiji. Unfortunately, the team's camera was not able to capture an image.

Meanwhile, China Academy of Science’s Institute of Biology professionals are currently examining the team's recorded sonar readings. Biologist Samuel Turvey told The Guardian that he was skeptical about the alleged sighting. According to him, claims about the possible survival of extinct creatures need robust proof and the said sighting does not count as one. Turvey has written a book about the extinction of baiji.

Furthermore, Turvey stressed that instead of chasing "the ghosts of baiji", the world should focus on the finless porpoise. Currently, the it is critically endangered.

However, Song hopes the unconfirmed sighting would start new efforts to save the species. He plans to do another expedition along Yangtze next year.

During the 1950s, Yangtze river was a home to thousands of animals. But the numbers started to fall in the 1980s due to human activities like dam building and overfishing as well as boat traffic and air pollution.

As of writing, no proof has been established regarding the return of the extinct dolphin to Yangtze River, which has been its home for 20 million years. Proving their existence would require extensive efforts.