Endangered Porpoise Population Makes Remarkable Recovery

Conservation efforts in China are helping the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise recover, with its population increasing by 41% in eight years.

The recovery highlights decades of ecological restoration along the Yangtze River, where habitat rehabilitation and reduced human disturbance have created safer conditions for these freshwater mammals.

The population rose from 1,012 individuals in 2017 to 1,426 in 2025, an increase of 414 porpoises. Conservation measures have focused on restoring natural habitats and limiting human activities that threaten the species. The progress offers a promising example of how sustained environmental protection can help endangered freshwater wildlife recover.