The number of identified Chinese white dolphins in Pearl River Estuary accounts for about half of the species' total population in China, according to the Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve.

The data released shows around 2,381 white dolphins are confirmed to be living in this reserve, which was set up in 1999 as one of the major white dolphin reserves in China. Dolphins of different generations are found in this area by the researchers who have been closely following this population.   

There are around 6,000 white dolphins in the world with some 5,000 living in China. Various threats including vessel propeller strikes, shrinking food resources and water pollution had caused a sharp decline of the dolphin population. 

Strengthened law enforcement and public education are needed to protect the species from extinction regardless of great efforts have been invested in terms of scientific monitoring and environment protection in the reserve. 

Chinese white dolphins are highly intelligent mammals. They usually live in groups, sometimes in ten or a larger number.   

(Top image via VCG .)

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