A nature reserve for white-flag dolphins, one of the most
endangered animals in the world, is under construction in Zhenjiang
of Jiangsu
Province on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Dubbed "living fossils in water," white-flag dolphin is a
rare archaic species that has lived on the earth for about 25
million years and is regarded as of equal scientific value as
giant panda.
But since the middle of last century, the number of white-flag
dolphins has dropped sharply because of the deterioration of the
environment. It is estimated that only about 50 white-flag dolphins
remain in the Yangtze River, their only habitat.
The new nature reserve will cover 57 square meters on the lower
reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest river, which flows
through east China.
According to Dai Yuping, the official in charge of fishery in
Zhenjiang municipal government, the part of the Yangtze River
flowing through Zhenjiang is one of the most important habitats for
white-flag dolphins. During observations organized by the Ministry
of Agriculture in 1997, four white-flag dolphins were discovered in
Zhenjiang.
"The only film on white-flag dolphins in the Yangtze River was
shot here," Dai said.
"As there are not many factories alongside the banks of the
river, the quality of the water is fully guaranteed, and there are
large areas of bulrushes in the reserve and rich fish resources, a
good living environment for white-flag dolphins."
Now the reserve is half closed and less shipping goes through
this route. "But in the near future, this water area will be
totally closed to shipping and fishermen using this area will be
moved out in batches," Dai added.
Before the construction of the Zhenjiang nature reserve, three
other reservations were set up in the Yangtze River valley.
As a rare species under top-class state protection, white-flag
dolphins have also been listed as one of the 12 most endangered
animals in the world by the International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources.
(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2003)