The Chinese Sturgeon (Acipencer sinensis) is a critically endangered sturgeon that lives on the Yangtze River in China. The IUCN lists it as a "Critically Endangered" species like the Chinese Paddlefish. Critically Endangered is the last step before Extinct in the Wild and Extinct. The assumed survival rate of these fish to hatching is 1%. Despite its nearness to extinction, the Chinese government lists it as a "National Treasure", and it is very highly protected, just like the Chinese Paddlefish. Due to conservation efforts, it may be back from the brink soon.
Evolution[]
The Sturgeon species date back to the Cretaceous period. The Cretaceous was the same period that ended with the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs.
Jeremy Wade investigates[]
In Mighty Rivers Season 1 Episode 2, Jeremy Wade traveled to the Yangtze River to investigate its health. Although in many aspects the Yangtze seemed to be in a grim state, due to the work of many conservationists, the Chinese Sturgeon now may be about to make a comeback. Jeremy visited one of the hatcheries and even helped weigh a fish.
Gallery[]
