Since March, sixteen Yangtze cowfish have been confirmed dead by starvation between the two lakes connected by the Yangtze river, their only habitat. In 2006, there were about 1200 of these porpoises left. This year, there are less than 470. The Yangtze river's water levels have decreased dramatically due to weather, so these creatures are left stranded in the shallow parts of the river, unable to get back to the lakes and to food. Other causes for starvation include over-fishing and water pollution. Special precautions need to be implemented to rescue these porpoises, such as water highways between lakes, the same way they do for salmon swimming upstream, as well as laws to reduce fishing and pollution.
Side Note: This posting is one day late due to the unfortunate circumstance of pressing "Save draft" instead of "Publish". The author regretfully apologizes for this inconvenient delay and will give a cookie to all who were forced to look elsewhere for information regarding endangered species.
Porpoises are innocent and beautiful creatures that have the same right as any other animal to live on this planet. Curtain measures need to be taken in order to help protect and save these animals from receiving the label of extinction. I agree with Jaina that we should reduce fishing and pollution to help these porpoise's numbers increase.
ReplyDeleteI totally read it wrong and thought you said "I agree with Jaina that we should reduce fishing and pollution for this porpoise." I was going to commend you for an awesome pun. Sad face.
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