{"id":2166835,"date":"2023-01-11T07:38:17","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T06:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2166835"},"modified":"2023-01-11T07:38:17","modified_gmt":"2023-01-11T06:38:17","slug":"unsustainable-sand-mining-in-china-threatens-a-critically-endangered-cetacean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/unsustainable-sand-mining-in-china-threatens-a-critically-endangered-cetacean\/","title":{"rendered":"Unsustainable Sand Mining in China Threatens A Critically-Endangered Cetacean"},"content":{"rendered":"

A long-term assessment of theYangtze finless porpoise in a heavily mined lake in China, has made some disturbing discoveries.<\/p>\n

\"Sand
Sand mining boats, similar to those in Poyang Lake. Photo by Zhigang Mei.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In only a decade, the mining has significantly restricted the porpoise\u2019s habitat, compromised its population connectivity, and destroyed its nearshore habitats.<\/p>\n

\"Two
Two porpoises leap from the water. Photo by Huigong Yu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The researchers hope their findings will promote government accountability and raise general awareness of the plight of the animal.<\/p>\n

Sand has for some time been second only to water as the planet’s most heavily extracted resource, with huge implications for habitat health and biodiversity.<\/p>\n

The findings of the research team from the Chinese Academy of Science are now published in the proceedings of\u00a0the Royal Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lead photo; The Yangtze finless porpoise feeds in Poyang Lake, where sand is heavily mined.\u00a0Photo by Huigong Yu.<\/i><\/p>\n

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