Lipotes vexillifer
CR

Lipotes vexillifer

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baiji

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Yangtze River dolphin faces catastrophic decline from intensive shipping traffic that causes fatal collisions and acoustic interference with echolocation. Massive dam construction, particularly the Three Gorges Dam, has fragmented habitat and altered water flow patterns essential for feeding. Industrial pollution and overfishing have severely depleted prey fish populations, while sand dredging operations destroy critical shallow-water feeding areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Endemic to the Yangtze River system in China, inhabiting the main river channel and connecting lakes, particularly shallow areas with muddy bottoms where small fish congregate. Historically ranged throughout the middle and lower Yangtze River basin, with populations concentrated in areas with slower currents and abundant prey fish.

FRESHWATER· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

Threatened in China

VU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lipotes vexillifer classified as Critically Endangered?
Lipotes vexillifer is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Yangtze River dolphin faces catastrophic decline from intensive shipping traffic that causes fatal collisions and acoustic interference with echolocation. Massive dam construction, particularly the Three Gorges Dam, has fragmented habitat and altered water flow patterns essential for feeding. Industrial pollution and overfishing have severely depleted prey fish populations, while sand dredging operations destroy critical shallow-water feeding areas.
Where does Lipotes vexillifer live?
Lipotes vexillifer occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lipotes vexillifer?
The main threats to Lipotes vexillifer are 1.1, 2.1, 4.3, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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