Scientists have turned to ancient Chinese poems to track the decline of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise. By analyzing 724 poems from the Tang Dynasty to the present day, researchers found that the porpoise’s range has shrunk by 65% since the Tang Dynasty, with a sharp decrease occurring between the Qing Dynasty and today. Human activities such as dam construction and land development are to blame for the porpoise’s decline.
Forecast for 6 months: Increased awareness and conservation efforts will be initiated by the Chinese government to protect the remaining habitats of the Yangtze finless porpoise.
Forecast for 1 year: The Chinese government will announce a comprehensive plan to restore the Yangtze River’s ecosystem, including the removal of dams and the creation of protected areas for the porpoise.
Forecast for 5 years: The Yangtze finless porpoise population will stabilize, and its range will begin to expand as a result of concerted conservation efforts and the restoration of its habitats.
Forecast for 10 years: The Yangtze finless porpoise will be removed from the critically endangered species list, and its population will have increased significantly due to sustained conservation efforts and the protection of its habitats.
