Historically found in China, the Chinese sturgeon is a comparatively basal species of fish that has been in existence for more than 140 million years. Despite being considered a "national treasure" under the strict protection of the Chinese government, the sturgeon is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List, a list of threatened species around the world, as dams and overfishing affect its reproduction.

To save the species from extinction, China has set up several conservation programs. On April 22, the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute of Three Gorges Corp released 10,000 Chinese sturgeons into the Yangtze River. 

Check out the series "Little Secrets of Chinese Sturgeon" to find out more about this critically endangered species.

(Cover image via VCG. Video by Lu Zhongcan and Liang Siyan from China Three Gorges Corp)

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