Scientists recently found that checking sand mining in Dongting lake in China can help the rebounding of the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise.
Why in news ?
Previous reports had shown the porpoise were pushed out of certain stretches of their habitat due to sand mining.
The Chinese government announced a crackdown on illegal sand mining along the entire length of the river Yangtze.
Key facts about Yangtze finless porpoise
The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia is home to these porpoises.
Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its mischievous smile and has a level of intelligence comparable to that of a gorilla.
These are very small compared to whales and slow-moving inhabitants
These are good indicators of the health of their environment.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List : Critically Endangered
