Yangtze finless porpoise

mammal

Also known as: Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis

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July 20, 2026

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The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is a subspecies of finless porpoise found exclusively in the Yangtze River in China. It is a toothed whale, distinguished from dolphins by its more compact build, smaller size, and blunt snout with spatulate teeth. Unlike other porpoises, it lacks a dorsal fin.1

This species is classified as critically endangered due to a significant population decline since 1984. Other porpoise species, such as the vaquita, also face severe threats and are critically endangered. Many cetacean populations, including porpoises, are endangered by human activities like pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and illegal hunting.12

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porpoise
…however, the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise (N. asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), a subspecies of narrow-ridged finless porpoise found only in the Yangtze River, has declined significantly since 1984. It was classified as a critically endangered species by the IUCN in 2013.
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…however, the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise (N. asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), a subspecies of narrow-ridged finless porpoise found only in the Yangtze River, has declined significantly since 1984. It was classified as a critically endangered species by the IUCN in 2013.
Read More