Bycatch: The primary threat to the Baiji is accidental capture (bycatch) in fishing nets. Fishing for finless porpoises, and other aquatic species, in the Yangtze River has increased significantly over the past few decades. Given the Baiji's reduced population size and limited range in the lower reaches of the Yangtze, there is a greater chance of individuals being caught in fishing gear.
Habitat degradation: The Yangtze River is one of the most heavily polluted rivers in the world, and this pollution is having a devastating impact on the Baiji's habitat. The river is home to a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems in dolphins, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system dysfunction. In addition, the construction of dams and other water projects along the Yangtze River has also contributed to habitat degradation.
Hunting: Although the Chinese government has banned the hunting of Baiji Dolphins, illegal hunting still occurs. Dolphins are hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in some parts of China. They are also hunted for their oil, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The cumulative effects of these threats have led to the Baiji's rapid population decline. In the 1980s, there were an estimated 400 Baiji Dolphins in the Yangtze River. By the late 2000s, the population had declined to just 18 individuals. In 2016, the Baiji Dolphin was declared functionally extinct, as no confirmed sightings of the species have been made since 2002.