Known as the "giant panda of the sea", is it the only whale named after China?

Among the 93 species of cetaceans in the world, the Chinese white dolphin is the only cetacean named after China. The main distribution range covers the west coast of the Pacific Ocean to the east coast of the Indian Ocean, tropical and subtropical coastal and estuarine waters. The body length of the Chinese white dolphin is usually between 1.5 and 2.5 meters, and the weight is about 150 to 200 kilograms. Compared with other types of whales and dolphins, the most different thing about the Chinese "white" dolphin is that during the growth process, their body color will change from the lead gray (black) color at birth, through the stages of "gray with white" and "white with gray", and gradually transition to adult white or pink. In the end, they will become beautiful pink elves in the sea. Interestingly, pink is not their skin pigment, but the color of the blood vessels under the epidermis, so they are also called pink dolphins.

Unlike terrestrial mammals that can give birth to multiple offspring, cetaceans normally give birth to only one offspring per litter, and the Chinese white dolphin is no exception. Newborn Chinese white dolphins will closely follow their mothers. At this time, in addition to some large predators, adult male Chinese white dolphins in estrus are also their biggest enemies. Male Chinese white dolphins often attack newborn juvenile Chinese white dolphins, which is infanticide. Mother dolphins that have lost their young will enter the estrus period, and male dolphins can get the opportunity to mate, so only about 60% of newborn Chinese white dolphins can survive this period.

Chinese white dolphins do not form large groups. Their groups are usually small, consisting of less than 10 individuals, but can be as large as 25 individuals. They usually stay together with 3-5 individuals, or move alone. Except for mother-child pairs, other members of the group may not necessarily have kinship. In most cases, the group composition of white dolphins active at sea is highly fluid. It is possible that these dolphins gather together today, and gather with other dolphins another day. There may not be any close relationship between them.

Although the Chinese white dolphin is such a unique and fascinating creature, their survival is facing serious threats. Factors such as overfishing, habitat loss, ship strikes and marine pollution have all threatened their survival. Overfishing not only reduces the food source of the Chinese white dolphin, but also destroys their natural ecological balance. Habitat loss is due to the destruction of the marine environment by human activities, such as coastal development, waterway construction and fishing activities. These changes not only affect the survival of the Chinese white dolphin, but also have a negative impact on the entire marine ecosystem. Marine pollution, especially the discharge of plastic waste and toxic chemicals, has caused serious damage to the living environment of the Chinese white dolphin. These pollutants not only pollute the food source of the Chinese white dolphin, but also affect their physiological health.

In recent decades, various marine projects (such as reclamation, bridges, offshore wind farms, etc.) have encroached on a large amount of coastal waters, resulting in the loss and fragmentation of the habitat of Chinese white dolphins worldwide to varying degrees. Marine projects may lead to the reduction of natural coastlines, the decline of habitat ecosystem functions, and the change of prey organisms, which will have a long-term or permanent impact on the habitat of Chinese white dolphins. In addition, marine projects such as cross-sea bridges, offshore wind farms, and dredging will also accelerate the fragmentation of the habitat of Chinese white dolphins.

The Chinese white dolphin has a sensitive auditory system. Its activities such as courtship, reproduction, predation and individual communication are highly dependent on underwater acoustic signals. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the impact of underwater noise on the Chinese white dolphin. Underwater noise generated by shipping, underwater blasting, engineering piling, etc.

The noise from the construction and operation of the project may affect the behavior of the Chinese white dolphins and even cause their death. Studies have shown that Chinese white dolphins will avoid habitats with serious noise pollution. In addition, underwater noise can also mask the acoustic signals of the Chinese white dolphins' food organisms in the habitat, thus causing changes in the Chinese white dolphins' habitat utilization patterns.

Despite the many challenges facing the Chinese white dolphin, there is still hope to protect this species. With the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of people's environmental awareness, we have reason to believe that through scientific research, legal protection, habitat protection, public education and international cooperation, we can create a safer and healthier living environment for the Chinese white dolphin. In the future, we look forward to seeing the Chinese white dolphin swimming freely in the ocean and becoming a shining star in the marine ecosystem.

References:

[1] Huang Xianglin. Chinese white dolphin: the most intimate marine cetacean to us[J].

[2] Yong Liming. Progress in ecological research on Chinese white dolphins[J]. Biodiversity Science.

[3] Huang Xianglin. The growth and life of the Chinese white dolphin[J].