Lipotidae - Chinese River Dolphins

There is one species of dolphin in this family, the Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer). It is found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. It is also known as the Chinese River Dolphin and the Yangtze River Dolphin.

The Baiji is endangered by recent industrial development in China, pollution, and by dolphins getting caught by accident in commercial fishing. A recent survey of the species resulted in no sightings, and scientists think the species may be extinct.

They have rounded flippers, a long, slightly upturned beak, and small eyes. They are bluish-gray on their uppersides and white on their undersides. Baiji use their long beaks to poke through the mud for fish.

They use echolocation to locate their prey. Baijis are 4.5-7.5 feet in length. Females are larger than males.

Did You Know?

Chinese River Dolphin
There is one species of dolphin in this family, the Baiji.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

New Hampshire Species

No animals found.

Other Species Around the World

No animals found.

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