STORY: Health check conducted for Yangtze finless porpoises in east China's Anhui
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 28, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:02
LOCATION: TONGLING, China
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the health check for Yangtze finless porpoises
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CHEN RAN, Head of the research department at the Tongling River Dolphin National Nature Reserve

STORYLINE:

Scientists conducted health check for Yangtze finless porpoises from Feb. 20 to 27 in Tongling River Dolphin National Nature Reserve, east China's Anhui Province. 

The Yangtze finless porpoise is a national first-class protected wild animal and its population status serves as a "barometer" of the ecological environment of the Yangtze River. 

Researchers measured the growth indicators and respiratory rate of the Yangtze finless porpoises and used an ultrasound machine to examine their fat layer thickness and internal organ health. Blood samples were also collected for further analysis.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): CHEN RAN, Head of the research department at the Tongling River Dolphin National Nature Reserve
"Preliminary examination results indicate that our Yangtze finless porpoises are growing well, with all indicators within normal ranges. Through these health assessments, we can scientifically evaluate the growth conditions of the porpoises in our reserve's translocated habitats. This provides a scientific basis for developing future conservation strategies within our waters, contributing to the sustainable development and population expansion of the species."

The Yangtze finless porpoise is the only freshwater subspecies of the finless porpoise family. The species, found exclusively in the middle and lower main streams of the Yangtze River, has been living there for 25 million years.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tongling, China.
(XHTV)