Lipotes vexillifer
CR

Lipotes vexillifer

Declining

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

Overview

The baiji is a possibly extinct species of river dolphin native to the Yangtze river system in China. It is thought to possibly be the first dolphin species driven to extinction due to the impact of humans. This dolphin is listed as "critically endangered: possibly extinct" by the IUCN, has not been definitively seen in over 20 years, and several surveys of the Yangtze have failed to find it.

The species is also called the Chinese river dolphin, Yangtze river dolphin, Yangtze dolphin, and whitefin dolphin. The genus name Lipotes means "left behind" and the species epithet vexillifer means "flag bearer". It is nicknamed the "Goddess of the Yangtze" and was regarded as the goddess of protection by local fishermen and boatmen.

It is not to be confused with the Chinese white dolphin or the finless porpoise (Neophocaena). This is the only species in the genus Lipotes.

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

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Golden Vietnamese Cypress

Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

Declining
VU

Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Declining
VU

Likiang Spruce

Picea likiangensis

Unknown

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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