A new study published in Current Biology on May 5, 2025, reveals the dramatic decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) over the past 1,400 years, as evidenced by 724 ancient Chinese poems [2, 3, 6]. The research highlights a 65% reduction in the porpoise's historical range, with the most significant losses occurring in the last century due to industrial activity and habitat changes [2, 3].
Researchers cross-referenced the poems with poets' biographies and travel records to map porpoise sightings accurately [2, 3]. The majority of references came from the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), but the study encompassed data from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onward [2, 6]. The analysis showed a 33% decline in the porpoise's range in the main river channel and a staggering 91% decline in connected waterways since the Tang Dynasty [3].
Despite the historical decline, conservation efforts are showing signs of success in 2025 [1, 11, 12]. The Chinese government has upgraded the species to a national first-level protected species, and WWF is working with partners to significantly reduce key threats [1, 4]. Sightings of finless porpoises along the Yangtze River have grown increasingly frequent [11]. The population has rebounded historically, rising steadily to 1,249 in 2022 — a 23.42% increase from 2017 [11]. These efforts include protected reserves, captive breeding programs, and community engagement, offering hope for the future of this critically endangered species [1, 4].