CHINESE DOLPHIN RESERVE

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http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/09/content_4401411.htm

1st national protection base for rare dolphin to be built

 

www.chinaview.cn 2006-04-09 09:27:44

 

 

GUANGZHOU, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China will set up its first reserve

for the highly endangered Chinese white dolphin off the coast of

Zhuhai, a city in Guangdong province.

 

The city has set aside 460 square kilometers for the reserve in

Guandi bay at Qi'ao Island and will start construction before the end

of this year, said Chen Jialin, director of the administrationof the

state-level Chinese White Dolphin Natural Reserve at Pear River

Estuary.

 

He said an emergency rescue center for the dolphins, also called

" pandas in the ocean " for their rarity, will be built during the

initial construction period.

 

The Chinese white dolphin is a species unique to China and high on

China's most-protected animal list. It is also one of the most

endangered species in the world.

 

The dolphins' population is around 2,000 in China, over 1,000 of

which are living in Pearl River Estuary, said Chen.

 

" Pollutants discharged into the water by paper mills, chemical

plants and plating factories along the river has been destroying the

dolphins' habitat and as a result, 19 dolphins has been died over the

past three years, " said Chen.