Ex situ conservation status of an endangered Yangtze finless porpoise population (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) as measured from microsatellites and mtDNA diversity

Published source details Xia J.H., Zheng J.S. & Wang D. (2005) Ex situ conservation status of an endangered Yangtze finless porpoise population (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) as measured from microsatellites and mtDNA diversity. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 62, 1711-1716.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Breed marine and freshwater mammals in captivity Action Link

Breed marine and freshwater mammals in captivity

A study in 1990–2002 at the Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow in China (Xia et al. 2005) found that wild-caught Yangtze finless porpoises Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis successfully reproduced in semi-captive conditions, but genetic diversity within the population was low. Between 1990 and 2002, wild-caught Yangtze finless porpoises introduced to an oxbow successfully gave birth to 1–3 calves/year. However, measures of genetic diversity within the population in 2002 were reported to be low (see original paper for details). Wild Yangtze finless porpoises captured from the Yangtze river (number not reported) were originally introduced to the oxbow in 1990. The naturally formed oxbow (21 km long, 1–1.5 m wide, average depth 4.5 m) was cut off from the main channel of the Yangtze River in 1972 and designated as a reserve in 1992. Following the escape and release of some individuals, four porpoises remained in the oxbow in 1997. A further nine wild-caught individuals were introduced in 1998–1999. In 2002, DNA samples were extracted from all 22 porpoises within the oxbow population (seven females, 15 males) and an additional female that was transferred to a captive facility in 1999.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)