The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the prima...The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the primary line of defense in maintaining physiological equilibrium,the epidermis of the porpoise is expected to have undergone structural adaptations due to the shift from the marine to the freshwater environment.This study compared the microstructural and ultrastructural features of the epidermis of YFP and its marine counterpart,the East Asian finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri,Pilleri&Gihr,1975;EAFP).Microscopic structural observations and statistical analyses of the epidermal thickness demonstrated no significant differences in the cell structure or distribution between the two porpoise species.However,the epidermis of the YFP contained more abundant stratum basale cells.The outermost lipid stratum corneum exhibited a thinner cell layer with wider neutral lipid droplets to resist the passive entry of water molecules in the hypotonic environment.In contrast,for the EAFp,a more uniformly arranged stratum basale in the epidermis led to denser keratin fibers and robust desmosomes within each epidermal layer at the ultrastructural level.This tight arrangement of cells can reduce transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in an environment with higher osmotic pressure.In conclusion,the 2 finless porpoise species appear to employ different epidermal mechanisms to adapt to their distinct osmotic environments.The YFP appears to possess a"lipid waterproofing"epidermal structure,while the EAFP possesses a"thick and compact water-retaining"epidermal structure to copewithpotentialwaterloss.展开更多
Finless porpoises(FPs)serve as flagship species and key ecological indicators for assessing environmental quality.However,FPs are challenging to survey due to their elusive behavior and lack of distinctive features.St...Finless porpoises(FPs)serve as flagship species and key ecological indicators for assessing environmental quality.However,FPs are challenging to survey due to their elusive behavior and lack of distinctive features.Stranding and sighting events offer essential information on species diversity,distribution patterns,and potential threats.In this study,records from 1986 to 2023 were analyzed to assess the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of FP strandings and sightings in the Qiantang River Estuary,China.Results show an increase in the number of recorded events over time.Seasonal variations were evident,with a peak in strandings and sightings occurring in late winter.The frequency of records was higher during spring and moderate tides compared to neap tides,particularly in hydrologically normal years.Rapidly receding tides and sediment accumulation appear to restrict the activity space of FPs,thereby increasing the frequency of these events.Localized conditions associated with stranding and sighting events were classified into four categories:bifurcation zones,confluence zones,separation zones,and deep channels adjacent to concave banks.Deep channels,which are optimal for shipping,also elevate the risk of FP strandings.These findings offer valuable insights for the development and design of conservation strategies tailored to the needs of FPs in estuarine environments.展开更多
The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic popul...The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic population decline and was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2013.To save this unique species,a range of integrated conservation measures have been implemented,including strengthening natural habitat protection(in-situ),enhancing insurance populations(ex-situ),and advancing captive breeding and research initiatives.These efforts have yielded significant progress in the conservation of the YFP.The natural population has been starting to increase after a sharp decline,and the establishment of three insurance populations has provided a solid foundation for recovery.Additionally,advancement in captive breeding and research has delivered crucial technical support for population conservation.As a flagship species of Yangtze River biodiversity and an indicator of the river’s ecosystem health,the YFP’s integrated conservation strategy not only benefits its own population but also offers valuable insights for the protection of other endangered aquatic species in the Yangtze River and other threatened small cetaceans worldwide.展开更多
The sex-related molecular marker of the Yangtze finless porpoise was screened using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique combined with the bulked segregant analysis. Totally 36 AFLP primer combinati...The sex-related molecular marker of the Yangtze finless porpoise was screened using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique combined with the bulked segregant analysis. Totally 36 AFLP primer combinations were used to detect the genome DNA bulks of the female and male porpoises, and one sex-related AFLP marker was finally obtained. The marker can be applied to sex identification, and provides a base for further cloning of sex-related genes and analyzing of Y chromosome haplotypes of the Yangtze finless porpoise.展开更多
Under increasing anthropogenic pressure,species with a previously contiguous distribution across their ranges have been reduced to small fragmented populations.The critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise(Neopho...Under increasing anthropogenic pressure,species with a previously contiguous distribution across their ranges have been reduced to small fragmented populations.The critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis),once commonly observed in the Yangtze River-Poyang Lake junction,is now rarely seen in the river-lake corridor.In this study,static passive acoustic monitoring techniques were used to detect the biosonar activities of the Yangtze finless porpoise in this unique corridor.Generalized linear models were used to examine the correlation between these activities and anthropogenic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and boat navigation,as well as environmental variables,including hydrological conditions and light levels.Over approximately three consecutive years of monitoring(2020–2022),porpoise biosonar was detected during 93%of logged days,indicating the key role of the corridor for finless porpoise conservation.In addition,porpoise clicks were recorded in 3.80%of minutes,while feeding correlated buzzes were detected in 1.23%of minutes,suggesting the potential existence of localized,small-scale migration.Furthermore,both anthropogenic and environmental variables were significantly correlated with the diel,lunar,monthly,seasonal,and annual variations in porpoise biosonar activities.During the pandemic lockdown period,porpoise sonar detection showed a significant increase.Furthermore,a significant negative correlation was identified between the detection of porpoise click trains and buzzes and boat traffic intensity.In addition to water level and flux,daylight and moonlight exhibited significant correlations with porpoise biosonar activities,with markedly higher detections at night and quarter moon periods.Ensuring the spatiotemporal reduction of anthropogenic activities,implementing vessel speed restrictions(e.g.,during porpoise migration and feeding),and maintaining local natural hydrological regimes are critical factors for sustaining porpoise population viability.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of adding grape seeds and tea polyphenols to improve the health of finless eels(Monopterus albus).[Methods]Twelve cages were selected in the same wat...[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of adding grape seeds and tea polyphenols to improve the health of finless eels(Monopterus albus).[Methods]Twelve cages were selected in the same water body and divided into 4 groups,each with 3 parallel groups.The control group was fed with common finless eel feed,and the experimental groups were fed with feed supplemented with grape seeds,tea polyphenols,and grape seed-tea polyphenol compound(with a ratio of grape seeds to tea polyphenols at 1∶1),respectively.The feeding amount of each additive was 1%.The experiment was carried out by feeding medicated feed for 3 d and ordinary feed for 3 d,that is,alternately feeding medicated feed and ordinary feed.The experiment lasted for 18 d.[Results]Six serum enzymatic indices were detected after the breeding.The results showed that compared with the control group,the three groups of samples had a certain protective effect on the liver in terms of liver function indices.In terms of immunity evaluation,the tea polyphenol group and the grape seed-tea polyphenol complex group could increase the immunity of eels to varying degrees.In terms of antioxidant capacity,all three groups of samples could increase the body's antioxidant capacity.The results of this study showed that adding tea polyphenols and grape seeds to the feed simultaneously could effectively protect the liver of fish,and simultaneously enhance their antioxidant and non-specific immune functions.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the application of the two Chinese herbal medicines,grape seeds and tea polyphenols,in finless eel farming.展开更多
Nature reserves in the Yangtze River,China,are crucial for protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)and their habitats.Despite a 10-year fishing ban along the middle and lowe...Nature reserves in the Yangtze River,China,are crucial for protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)and their habitats.Despite a 10-year fishing ban along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River instated on January 2020 to alleviate pressures on the porpoise's prey,other stressors,particularly underwater noise,continue to impact these rare cetaceans,which rely heavily on vocalization for prey detection,communication and navigation.Between September 2020 and September 2021,underwater noise monitoring was carried out in the Xinluo Baiji National Nature Reserve,located in Hubei province,China,with the aim of assessing the potential impact of underwater noise pollution on the Yangtze finless porpoise.The reserve was divided into 30 sub-sections to systematically monitor underwater noise across the reserve.Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at each site within these sub-sections during four sampling periods,and these data were subjected to comparative analysis with data collected in 2012 and 2017.The results showed that the root mean square sound pressure levels at each site ranged from 117 to 162 dB.Power spectral levels(11.2–152 kHz)exceeded the average audiogram levels for the porpoise at most sites.94.2%and 93.3%of the sites exceeded underwater acoustic thresholds known to induce a hearing threshold shift for the porpoise in terms of both the averaged cumulative unweighted sound exposure level,and cumulative weighted sound exposure level respectively.Noise levels in this section during 2020–2021 were approximately 25 and 30 dB higher compared to the levels recorded in 2012 and 2017,and likely due to increased shipping activity and the proximity of sampling sites to the shipping channel.The rise in noise levels might contribute to the observed declines in the porpoise population within this area.To mitigate these impacts,implementing noise control measures is essential,such as regulating navigation speed and limiting the number of vessels in the reserve.展开更多
The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the mos...The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the most crucial conservation approach involves the establishment and management of both in-situ and ex-situ nature reserves.Since the 1990s,seven nature reserves have been established in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,covering nearly one-third of its main stream.Additionally,two nature reserves,one in the Dongting Lake and another in the Poyang Lake,have been set up;and three ex-situ nature reserves have been established in three oxbows respectively in Hunan,Hubei,and Anhui provinces.Through measures such as improving the ecological environment quality within the reserves,regulating human activities,and conducting continuous monitoring,the finless porpoise population showed a slight increase in 2022 for the first time.The ex-situ population has continued to grow,with four individuals being released back into the main stream of the Yangtze River after undergoing reintroduction training in 2023.Based on the population development lasting for over three decades,and predictions of future ecological changes,orderly establishment and scientific management of nature reserves have played a key role in and will remain an important basis for the sustaining growth of the finless porpoise population.展开更多
Since the filling of the reservoir of the Three Gorges Project(TGP)dam in the Yangtze River in 2003,erosion downstream from the dam site has affected the finless porpoise’s habitat.In this study,a one-dimensional(1D)...Since the filling of the reservoir of the Three Gorges Project(TGP)dam in the Yangtze River in 2003,erosion downstream from the dam site has affected the finless porpoise’s habitat.In this study,a one-dimensional(1D)fluvial process mathematical model is used to calculate flow and sediment transport in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,including the finless porpoise’s habitat.By analyzing the calculation results for the water resources,suspended load,and bed materials in the finless porpoise’s habitat after the riverbed deformation,we evaluated the possible impact on this rare Yangtze River aquatic animal.The results show that,with the erosion of riverbed over the next 20 years,the water quantity comprising the habitat will decrease to half of its present amount,and the bed materials will be eroded to coarse grading,such that the reserve will become a gradually disappearing stream.Effective engineering measures should be used to decrease the erosion in the main channel,in case the overall erosion cannot be stemmed and controlled,to ensure an adequate water volume flows into the finless porpoise’s habitat.展开更多
The stratification of blubber fatty acids(FAs)is a widely used strategy in marine mammals and can be influenced by many factors,including their diet,environmental temperature,and physiological status.There are 3 disti...The stratification of blubber fatty acids(FAs)is a widely used strategy in marine mammals and can be influenced by many factors,including their diet,environmental temperature,and physiological status.There are 3 distinct finless porpoise species/subspecies in Chinese coastal and inland waters in a wide range from 20°N to 40°N.The biochemical stratification of the blubbers of finless porpoises in different regions may provide valuable information for understanding their environmental adaptations.The FA compositions of 4 geographic populations of finless porpoise(FP)collected from the Bohai Gulf,East China Sea,South China Sea,and Yangtze River were therefore analyzed and compared.The blubber FA compositions of finless porpoises were dominated by∑MUFAs,followed by∑SFAs and∑PUFAs,and were generally consistent with those of other cetaceans.The blubber of finless porpoises was significantly stratified with increasing levels of∑MUFAs and decreasing levels of∑SFAs and∑PUFAs from the inner to the outer layers.The 3 marine populations shared more similarities in their FA compositions and stratifications compared to the freshwater porpoises,particularly regarding the PUFAs in the inner layers,which might have been mainly influenced by the diet compositions of marine and freshwater porpoises.Contrary to what was expected,in the 3 marine populations,the SFA and MUFA levels showed opposite correlations(negative and positive,respectively)with habitat temperatures,possibly indicating an adaptation mechanism in finless porpoises characterized by a trade-off between the insulation and fluidity properties of the blubber through the adjustment of the compositions and gradients of MUFAs and SFAs across the blubber depth in response to environmental temperature/latitude changes.展开更多
Lipotes usually occurs in pairs or in small loose groups. The calves are born in March-April.The Finless porpoises are usually seen in groups of five or six individuals.The blowof Lipotes lasts 0.2--0.6 sec and that o...Lipotes usually occurs in pairs or in small loose groups. The calves are born in March-April.The Finless porpoises are usually seen in groups of five or six individuals.The blowof Lipotes lasts 0.2--0.6 sec and that of Neophocaena 0.2--0.5 sec. In Lipotes,a short divewould take 10--20 sec and a long dive up to 1--2 min (average value being 31 sec). InNeophocaena a long dive would reach a maximum of 65 sec with an average of 17.5 sec.Lipotes has a pair of functional eyes. The selective secondary atrophy of a number of eyemuscles and nerves and the position of the eyes in the head correspond with the physical con-ditions of the environments so that the field of vision is directed forwards and upwards. When pursued by motor boat, both species react with a long dive and a change of direc-tion under water. With the Baiji this would occasionally cause fatal injuries by thepropeller of the ship. Such a case seems much less often with Neophocaena. The populationof Lipotes is at present very small.In the stretch of the river (between Nanjing andTaiyangzhou) under exploration, we found scarcely more than one dolphin per 4 km. Thecause for its scarcity is mostly due to accidents or wounds caused by propellers.展开更多
Blubber thickness(BT)has a seasonal pattern in most small cetaceans in temperate and polar regions,which may be a crucial adaptive mechanism in response to environmental temperature changes.However,BT and environmenta...Blubber thickness(BT)has a seasonal pattern in most small cetaceans in temperate and polar regions,which may be a crucial adaptive mechanism in response to environmental temperature changes.However,BT and environmental temperature correlations have never been tested experimentally in any cetacean species owing to logistical difficulties in the aquatic environment.The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,YFP)is one of the smallest cetacean species worldwide,which exclusively inhabits the middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River in China.Here,we investigated BT variation patterns in YFPs and their relationship to environmental temperature changes using ultrasound imaging technology by longitudinally monitoring four YFPs in human care.We found that blubber was not evenly distributed in the skin of YFPs.BT increased along the craniocaudal axis from the head to the umbilical girth,and decreased towards the fluke,with relatively thicker blubber in the dorsal region than in the ventral and lateral regions.Significant negative correlations between BT and seasonal water temperature changes were observed in YFPs.However,different body regions display different sensitivities to seasonal temperature changes.The BT in the anal girth region exhibited noticeable seasonal changes.In contrast,the umbilical lateral and ventral regions showed relatively blunt seasonal changes,indicating different adaptive functions of the blubber in different regions.BT in the dorsal region decreased linearly with increasing water temperature.In the lateral and ventral regions,BT significantly changed with water temperature at a threshold of 18C.The YFPs had relatively thinner BT than similar-sized harbor porpoises that inhabit relatively high latitudes with much lower water temperatures.This further demonstrates the adaptive function of BT in response to environmental temperatures in small cetaceans.This study elucidates the seasonal pattern of BT variation in small cetaceans and provides insight into adaptation mechanisms of small cetaceans to temperature changes.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1200304).
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,Pilleri&Gihr,1972;YFP)is an exclusively freshwater cetacean species inhabiting the Yangtze River and its connecting large lakes.As the primary line of defense in maintaining physiological equilibrium,the epidermis of the porpoise is expected to have undergone structural adaptations due to the shift from the marine to the freshwater environment.This study compared the microstructural and ultrastructural features of the epidermis of YFP and its marine counterpart,the East Asian finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri,Pilleri&Gihr,1975;EAFP).Microscopic structural observations and statistical analyses of the epidermal thickness demonstrated no significant differences in the cell structure or distribution between the two porpoise species.However,the epidermis of the YFP contained more abundant stratum basale cells.The outermost lipid stratum corneum exhibited a thinner cell layer with wider neutral lipid droplets to resist the passive entry of water molecules in the hypotonic environment.In contrast,for the EAFp,a more uniformly arranged stratum basale in the epidermis led to denser keratin fibers and robust desmosomes within each epidermal layer at the ultrastructural level.This tight arrangement of cells can reduce transepidermal water loss(TEWL)in an environment with higher osmotic pressure.In conclusion,the 2 finless porpoise species appear to employ different epidermal mechanisms to adapt to their distinct osmotic environments.The YFP appears to possess a"lipid waterproofing"epidermal structure,while the EAFP possesses a"thick and compact water-retaining"epidermal structure to copewithpotentialwaterloss.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 42176214 and 42176170the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos LZJWZ22E090002 and LZJWY22E090006the Key Program of the President of the Zhejiang Institute of Hydraulics and Estuaries under contract No.ZIHE21Z001.
文摘Finless porpoises(FPs)serve as flagship species and key ecological indicators for assessing environmental quality.However,FPs are challenging to survey due to their elusive behavior and lack of distinctive features.Stranding and sighting events offer essential information on species diversity,distribution patterns,and potential threats.In this study,records from 1986 to 2023 were analyzed to assess the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of FP strandings and sightings in the Qiantang River Estuary,China.Results show an increase in the number of recorded events over time.Seasonal variations were evident,with a peak in strandings and sightings occurring in late winter.The frequency of records was higher during spring and moderate tides compared to neap tides,particularly in hydrologically normal years.Rapidly receding tides and sediment accumulation appear to restrict the activity space of FPs,thereby increasing the frequency of these events.Localized conditions associated with stranding and sighting events were classified into four categories:bifurcation zones,confluence zones,separation zones,and deep channels adjacent to concave banks.Deep channels,which are optimal for shipping,also elevate the risk of FP strandings.These findings offer valuable insights for the development and design of conservation strategies tailored to the needs of FPs in estuarine environments.
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(YFP)is an endemic freshwater cetacean species that exclusively inhabits the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin.Since the late 1970s,the YFP has experienced a drastic population decline and was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2013.To save this unique species,a range of integrated conservation measures have been implemented,including strengthening natural habitat protection(in-situ),enhancing insurance populations(ex-situ),and advancing captive breeding and research initiatives.These efforts have yielded significant progress in the conservation of the YFP.The natural population has been starting to increase after a sharp decline,and the establishment of three insurance populations has provided a solid foundation for recovery.Additionally,advancement in captive breeding and research has delivered crucial technical support for population conservation.As a flagship species of Yangtze River biodiversity and an indicator of the river’s ecosystem health,the YFP’s integrated conservation strategy not only benefits its own population but also offers valuable insights for the protection of other endangered aquatic species in the Yangtze River and other threatened small cetaceans worldwide.
文摘The sex-related molecular marker of the Yangtze finless porpoise was screened using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique combined with the bulked segregant analysis. Totally 36 AFLP primer combinations were used to detect the genome DNA bulks of the female and male porpoises, and one sex-related AFLP marker was finally obtained. The marker can be applied to sex identification, and provides a base for further cloning of sex-related genes and analyzing of Y chromosome haplotypes of the Yangtze finless porpoise.
基金supported by Science and Technology Service Network Initiative Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciencesthe National Natural Science Foundation of China (41806197)the Exploratory Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (ZX2023000154)。
文摘Under increasing anthropogenic pressure,species with a previously contiguous distribution across their ranges have been reduced to small fragmented populations.The critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis),once commonly observed in the Yangtze River-Poyang Lake junction,is now rarely seen in the river-lake corridor.In this study,static passive acoustic monitoring techniques were used to detect the biosonar activities of the Yangtze finless porpoise in this unique corridor.Generalized linear models were used to examine the correlation between these activities and anthropogenic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and boat navigation,as well as environmental variables,including hydrological conditions and light levels.Over approximately three consecutive years of monitoring(2020–2022),porpoise biosonar was detected during 93%of logged days,indicating the key role of the corridor for finless porpoise conservation.In addition,porpoise clicks were recorded in 3.80%of minutes,while feeding correlated buzzes were detected in 1.23%of minutes,suggesting the potential existence of localized,small-scale migration.Furthermore,both anthropogenic and environmental variables were significantly correlated with the diel,lunar,monthly,seasonal,and annual variations in porpoise biosonar activities.During the pandemic lockdown period,porpoise sonar detection showed a significant increase.Furthermore,a significant negative correlation was identified between the detection of porpoise click trains and buzzes and boat traffic intensity.In addition to water level and flux,daylight and moonlight exhibited significant correlations with porpoise biosonar activities,with markedly higher detections at night and quarter moon periods.Ensuring the spatiotemporal reduction of anthropogenic activities,implementing vessel speed restrictions(e.g.,during porpoise migration and feeding),and maintaining local natural hydrological regimes are critical factors for sustaining porpoise population viability.
基金Supported by China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-46).
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of adding grape seeds and tea polyphenols to improve the health of finless eels(Monopterus albus).[Methods]Twelve cages were selected in the same water body and divided into 4 groups,each with 3 parallel groups.The control group was fed with common finless eel feed,and the experimental groups were fed with feed supplemented with grape seeds,tea polyphenols,and grape seed-tea polyphenol compound(with a ratio of grape seeds to tea polyphenols at 1∶1),respectively.The feeding amount of each additive was 1%.The experiment was carried out by feeding medicated feed for 3 d and ordinary feed for 3 d,that is,alternately feeding medicated feed and ordinary feed.The experiment lasted for 18 d.[Results]Six serum enzymatic indices were detected after the breeding.The results showed that compared with the control group,the three groups of samples had a certain protective effect on the liver in terms of liver function indices.In terms of immunity evaluation,the tea polyphenol group and the grape seed-tea polyphenol complex group could increase the immunity of eels to varying degrees.In terms of antioxidant capacity,all three groups of samples could increase the body's antioxidant capacity.The results of this study showed that adding tea polyphenols and grape seeds to the feed simultaneously could effectively protect the liver of fish,and simultaneously enhance their antioxidant and non-specific immune functions.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the application of the two Chinese herbal medicines,grape seeds and tea polyphenols,in finless eel farming.
文摘Nature reserves in the Yangtze River,China,are crucial for protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)and their habitats.Despite a 10-year fishing ban along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River instated on January 2020 to alleviate pressures on the porpoise's prey,other stressors,particularly underwater noise,continue to impact these rare cetaceans,which rely heavily on vocalization for prey detection,communication and navigation.Between September 2020 and September 2021,underwater noise monitoring was carried out in the Xinluo Baiji National Nature Reserve,located in Hubei province,China,with the aim of assessing the potential impact of underwater noise pollution on the Yangtze finless porpoise.The reserve was divided into 30 sub-sections to systematically monitor underwater noise across the reserve.Passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at each site within these sub-sections during four sampling periods,and these data were subjected to comparative analysis with data collected in 2012 and 2017.The results showed that the root mean square sound pressure levels at each site ranged from 117 to 162 dB.Power spectral levels(11.2–152 kHz)exceeded the average audiogram levels for the porpoise at most sites.94.2%and 93.3%of the sites exceeded underwater acoustic thresholds known to induce a hearing threshold shift for the porpoise in terms of both the averaged cumulative unweighted sound exposure level,and cumulative weighted sound exposure level respectively.Noise levels in this section during 2020–2021 were approximately 25 and 30 dB higher compared to the levels recorded in 2012 and 2017,and likely due to increased shipping activity and the proximity of sampling sites to the shipping channel.The rise in noise levels might contribute to the observed declines in the porpoise population within this area.To mitigate these impacts,implementing noise control measures is essential,such as regulating navigation speed and limiting the number of vessels in the reserve.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42225604,31500456,31430080)the 2023 Strategic Consultation Project of the Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere,the National Key Programme of Research and Development of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2022YFF1301603)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA23040403).
文摘The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)is distributed in the main stream of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,as well as in Dongting and Poyang lakes.Currently,the most crucial conservation approach involves the establishment and management of both in-situ and ex-situ nature reserves.Since the 1990s,seven nature reserves have been established in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,covering nearly one-third of its main stream.Additionally,two nature reserves,one in the Dongting Lake and another in the Poyang Lake,have been set up;and three ex-situ nature reserves have been established in three oxbows respectively in Hunan,Hubei,and Anhui provinces.Through measures such as improving the ecological environment quality within the reserves,regulating human activities,and conducting continuous monitoring,the finless porpoise population showed a slight increase in 2022 for the first time.The ex-situ population has continued to grow,with four individuals being released back into the main stream of the Yangtze River after undergoing reintroduction training in 2023.Based on the population development lasting for over three decades,and predictions of future ecological changes,orderly establishment and scientific management of nature reserves have played a key role in and will remain an important basis for the sustaining growth of the finless porpoise population.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51139003)
文摘Since the filling of the reservoir of the Three Gorges Project(TGP)dam in the Yangtze River in 2003,erosion downstream from the dam site has affected the finless porpoise’s habitat.In this study,a one-dimensional(1D)fluvial process mathematical model is used to calculate flow and sediment transport in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River,including the finless porpoise’s habitat.By analyzing the calculation results for the water resources,suspended load,and bed materials in the finless porpoise’s habitat after the riverbed deformation,we evaluated the possible impact on this rare Yangtze River aquatic animal.The results show that,with the erosion of riverbed over the next 20 years,the water quantity comprising the habitat will decrease to half of its present amount,and the bed materials will be eroded to coarse grading,such that the reserve will become a gradually disappearing stream.Effective engineering measures should be used to decrease the erosion in the main channel,in case the overall erosion cannot be stemmed and controlled,to ensure an adequate water volume flows into the finless porpoise’s habitat.
基金This study was financially supported by the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong(MM01.2021).
文摘The stratification of blubber fatty acids(FAs)is a widely used strategy in marine mammals and can be influenced by many factors,including their diet,environmental temperature,and physiological status.There are 3 distinct finless porpoise species/subspecies in Chinese coastal and inland waters in a wide range from 20°N to 40°N.The biochemical stratification of the blubbers of finless porpoises in different regions may provide valuable information for understanding their environmental adaptations.The FA compositions of 4 geographic populations of finless porpoise(FP)collected from the Bohai Gulf,East China Sea,South China Sea,and Yangtze River were therefore analyzed and compared.The blubber FA compositions of finless porpoises were dominated by∑MUFAs,followed by∑SFAs and∑PUFAs,and were generally consistent with those of other cetaceans.The blubber of finless porpoises was significantly stratified with increasing levels of∑MUFAs and decreasing levels of∑SFAs and∑PUFAs from the inner to the outer layers.The 3 marine populations shared more similarities in their FA compositions and stratifications compared to the freshwater porpoises,particularly regarding the PUFAs in the inner layers,which might have been mainly influenced by the diet compositions of marine and freshwater porpoises.Contrary to what was expected,in the 3 marine populations,the SFA and MUFA levels showed opposite correlations(negative and positive,respectively)with habitat temperatures,possibly indicating an adaptation mechanism in finless porpoises characterized by a trade-off between the insulation and fluidity properties of the blubber through the adjustment of the compositions and gradients of MUFAs and SFAs across the blubber depth in response to environmental temperature/latitude changes.
文摘Lipotes usually occurs in pairs or in small loose groups. The calves are born in March-April.The Finless porpoises are usually seen in groups of five or six individuals.The blowof Lipotes lasts 0.2--0.6 sec and that of Neophocaena 0.2--0.5 sec. In Lipotes,a short divewould take 10--20 sec and a long dive up to 1--2 min (average value being 31 sec). InNeophocaena a long dive would reach a maximum of 65 sec with an average of 17.5 sec.Lipotes has a pair of functional eyes. The selective secondary atrophy of a number of eyemuscles and nerves and the position of the eyes in the head correspond with the physical con-ditions of the environments so that the field of vision is directed forwards and upwards. When pursued by motor boat, both species react with a long dive and a change of direc-tion under water. With the Baiji this would occasionally cause fatal injuries by thepropeller of the ship. Such a case seems much less often with Neophocaena. The populationof Lipotes is at present very small.In the stretch of the river (between Nanjing andTaiyangzhou) under exploration, we found scarcely more than one dolphin per 4 km. Thecause for its scarcity is mostly due to accidents or wounds caused by propellers.
基金financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,Grant No.2021YFD1200304.
文摘Blubber thickness(BT)has a seasonal pattern in most small cetaceans in temperate and polar regions,which may be a crucial adaptive mechanism in response to environmental temperature changes.However,BT and environmental temperature correlations have never been tested experimentally in any cetacean species owing to logistical difficulties in the aquatic environment.The Yangtze finless porpoise(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis,YFP)is one of the smallest cetacean species worldwide,which exclusively inhabits the middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River in China.Here,we investigated BT variation patterns in YFPs and their relationship to environmental temperature changes using ultrasound imaging technology by longitudinally monitoring four YFPs in human care.We found that blubber was not evenly distributed in the skin of YFPs.BT increased along the craniocaudal axis from the head to the umbilical girth,and decreased towards the fluke,with relatively thicker blubber in the dorsal region than in the ventral and lateral regions.Significant negative correlations between BT and seasonal water temperature changes were observed in YFPs.However,different body regions display different sensitivities to seasonal temperature changes.The BT in the anal girth region exhibited noticeable seasonal changes.In contrast,the umbilical lateral and ventral regions showed relatively blunt seasonal changes,indicating different adaptive functions of the blubber in different regions.BT in the dorsal region decreased linearly with increasing water temperature.In the lateral and ventral regions,BT significantly changed with water temperature at a threshold of 18C.The YFPs had relatively thinner BT than similar-sized harbor porpoises that inhabit relatively high latitudes with much lower water temperatures.This further demonstrates the adaptive function of BT in response to environmental temperatures in small cetaceans.This study elucidates the seasonal pattern of BT variation in small cetaceans and provides insight into adaptation mechanisms of small cetaceans to temperature changes.
