Latest news with #Yangtze
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Captive-born porpoises released in river — and quickly make a friend. ‘Success'
Conservationists stood on the banks of a river in China and watched a pair of just-released porpoises. Years of planning and preparation had led to this moment, and an optimistic feeling filled the air. But would this plan — a first-of-its-kind project— actually work? Would these captive-born porpoises survive? The conservation team had a straightforward plan: Take two critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoises born in captivity, acclimate them to the natural conditions of the Yangtze River in a monitored way and then release them into the wild, according to a study published June 4 in the peer-reviewed journal Biology Letters. This approach, known as ex situ conservation, has been used for other endangered animals but has had 'few significant successes' for cetaceans, the group that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises, researchers said. Yangtze finless porpoises are the outliers and 'currently the only cetacean subspecies' with a captive breeding population. As researchers prepared to release the captive-born Yangtze finless porpoises into the wild, they developed a follow-up plan to monitor the reintroduction, the study said. First, they implanted identification chips. Next, they fitted the porpoises with a temporary 'wearable radio tag system' to track their locations. The porpoises were released on April 25, 2023, into the Yangtze River at a site with 'relatively low levels of human activity,' 'abundant fish resources' and a stable local porpoise population, researchers said. Photos shared by the Chinese government in an April 2023 news release show the porpoises being set free. After the release, researchers continued tracking the porpoise pair with acoustic monitoring devices and visual surveys, the study said. They also partnered with the Yangtze Cetacean Protection Network to watch for dead porpoises and, if found, check their identification chips. Three days after the release, the team spotted something encouraging: The porpoises had made a friend and 'were observed interacting with a local porpoise,' the study said. A photo shows the three animals. Nine days after their release, 'the porpoises left the vicinity of the release site,' researchers said. Their tracking tags fell off around this time. Almost 23 months later, the team had 'continuously monitored the river and collected reports of dead' porpoises but had not found the bodies of the two released animals, the study said. Researchers concluded the released porpoises had survived and 'gradually integrated' into the local population. They declared the project a first-of-its-kind 'success' and 'significant advancement in the conservation of' Yangtze finless porpoises. The research team included Jiansong Qiu, Yang Zheng, Fei Fan, Jinsong Zheng, Qiang Zeng, Zijia Xu, Qiang Gao, Kexiong Wang, Songhai Li, Ding Wang and Zhigang Mei.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover hidden vulnerability putting beloved bird species at risk: 'These findings can help us understand the threats'
A new study led by the University of East Anglia suggests a new metric for understanding a species' vulnerability to our changing environment, as relayed by Using this metric, researchers have determined that some beloved bird species are at greater risk than others. The study, which was published in the Journal of Biogeography, sought to better understand bird species' tolerance to climate conditions, or their climatic niche breadth. To do this, researchers looked at population trends of 159 bird species across 29 European countries paired with 30 years of climate data. They then considered factors such as the species' migratory status, average body mass, and diet. The results found a decreasing population in 58 of the observed species, stable populations in 68 species, and an increasing population in 33 species. The declining species tend to live within smaller ranges and are less resilient to various climate conditions. "These findings can help us understand the threats associated with climate change and allow for rapid assessment of the importance of climatic factors on population trends, providing an invaluable tool for targeting species conservation," UEA researcher Karolina Zalewska said. Researchers believe that indexing the climatic niche breadth of these bird species is crucial for the conservation of all species. By incorporating this additional metric into climate risk assessments, conservationists can better understand exactly how climate conditions impact these species. In turn, this should help to better protect them. "Our results emphasize the importance of understanding and incorporating the level of exposure to climatic variability when assessing vulnerability to climate change and long-term population declines," Zalewska said, according to the findings. The UEA study offers another step in the path toward protecting animal species from shifting climate patterns. While stopping these shifts in their tracks won't happen tomorrow, other conservation efforts are proving effective. Ecological restoration efforts on the Yangtze River have helped the near-extinct Yangtze finless porpoise population increase. On a larger scale, a recent review of 186 studies on conservation strategies found that global conservation efforts are making a measurable difference. According to the Endangered Species Coalition, there are many ways you can help protect endangered species. Some of the most accessible options include upgrading to a natural lawn, reducing your use of herbicides and pesticides, and buying more sustainable products. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CNN
14-05-2025
- Science
- CNN
Ancient poetry unveils history of critically endangered finless porpoises, scientists say
A research team in China got creative in its efforts to save a critically endangered species by turning to ancient poems. The scientists pored over more than 700 ancient Chinese poems from the Tang through the Qing dynasties that mention the Yangtze finless porpoise to find out where and when poets described seeing the animal because little is known about its population history. The Yangtze finless porpoise — the world's only freshwater porpoise — has faced extreme declines in numbers in the past four decades. With fewer than 1,300 individuals left in the wild, scientists in eastern China have made huge efforts to better understand the animal's past habitat range to better inform future conservation initiatives. The findings were stark: The data suggests that the historic range of the finless porpoise has shrunk by 65% over the past 1,200 years, with the most extreme reduction happening over the past century. The team published the findings in the journal Current Biology on May 5. 'Some older fishers told me they used to frequently see porpoises in areas where they've now disappeared completely,' study coauthor Zhigang Mei told CNN in an email. 'That really sparked my curiosity: Where did these porpoises historically live?' Yangtze finless porpoises only live in the middle-lower Yangtze River basin in eastern China. From the early 1980s until the 2010s, the population steeply declined an estimated 60%, according to a 2014 study, due to a combination of illegal fishing practices, industrial pollution in waterways, dams and sand mining in the adjoining lakes. Because hard scientific data for the porpoise only exists for recent decades, scientists have a very narrow understanding of its spatial distribution. This creates a problem known as shifting baseline syndrome, explained Mei, a professor at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Wuhan. '(This research) answers important questions about what constitutes a healthy population,' he said, which will help with setting realistic management goals. 'Without historical baselines, there is a risk of shifting expectations downward over generations, accepting an ever-declining status as 'normal.'' When Mei and his colleagues started poking around archives for answers, they were surprised. Official records such as local gazettes and county chronicles didn't have any information about the porpoises — only terrestrial megafauna like tigers and elephants, species that have frequent conflict with humans. Porpoises, in contrast, are less likely to have close encounters with humans. (No drama, no record.) Instead, sightings were typically by local, less-educated anglers or wealthy travelers — who caught glimpses of the elusive porpoises while traveling the Yangtze River by boat — and weren't formally recorded, Mei said. Facing this dead end, the scientists realized ancient poems could come in handy. 'We were amazed,' Mei said of the researchers efforts to explore written documentation via literature. The authors sorted through hundreds of poems dating back to AD 830 that referenced porpoises. For each poem, the scientists looked for evidence of locations, such as descriptions of unique geographical features of the Yangtze River basin. Then, the team researched the poem's time period and each poets' personal history to ensure their accuracy. About half of the poems contained precise location information, allowing the team to map sightings for each dynasty. Ancient Chinese poetry is often nonfiction, including first-person accounts of everyday life and observations of nature, the authors explained. That's why the poems served as a reasonable metric for finless porpoise sightings throughout the river basin. 'Emerald seals the jade-green tiles as idle dawn clouds drift / Specks of porpoises vanish between the waves' swift lift,' reads one Qing Dynasty poem by Gu Silì 顾嗣立 called 'Crossing the River in Rain, Looking at Jinshan,' as translated by lead study author Yaoyao Zhang, an ecologist at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. 'It's beautiful, actually,' said Paulo Corti, a conservation ecologist at Austral University of Chile who was not involved in the research. 'They did something great with some very simple information.' Using historic materials for science isn't uncommon — especially in paleontology or archaeology — but it's less often used for wildlife research, Corti said. 'It's a very useful tool, especially when you refine the analysis, taking those qualitative data into quantitative (data),' he said. The poetry data only offers an estimate. However, it's the study authors' best source for formulating how the Yangtze finless porpoise population's distribution changed before modern times. Such studies need to be conducted carefully, adds Corti, who has written journal articles about responsibly using historical records for wildlife studies after noticing that some scientists were using such data inappropriately. One major limitation of cultural records is human error, he explained. A fisherman or hunter, for example, is a more reliable observer than a foreign explorer likely to misidentify similar-looking animals. That's why the study authors researched each poet's background, such as where they lived and traveled, to verify their observations. The Yangtze finless porpoise looks distinct, with a short snout, dark gray color and signature lack of a dorsal fin, which sets it apart from its dolphin relatives. As mammals, porpoises need to surface for air, making them visible to humans, said study coauthor Jiajia Liu, a professor of biodiversity science at Fudan University in Shanghai. And because finless porpoises did not historically hold cultural importance, it was less likely for poets to write about them without a literal observation, he added. For these reasons, the researchers trusted the poems for data. That said, the authors acknowledge that some historical references of the river porpoise could be confused with the now-extinct baiji, a freshwater dolphin that lived in the Yangtze. But this species was much bigger, lighter-colored, and touted a long snout — its most distinguishing feature, Mei said. Indeed, the baiji serves as a cautionary tale for the finless porpoise. The freshwater dolphin already became functionally extinct in 2006 from many of the same threats. Extinction of the finless porpoise would throw the ecosystem out of balance, Liu explained. As a top predator, the porpoise eats fish that feed on aquatic grasses. The rare mammal is also an ecosystem engineer by facilitating a process called nutrient cycling. By migrating long distances, the finless porpoise carries nitrogen and phosphorus from the river bottom to its surface, and from downstream to upstream. Now that there is some evidence that the finless porpoise lived not only in the main river, but also in tributaries and lakes, scientists have a better idea of where the porpoise historically thrived — and whether it might thrive in those locations once again. With captive breeding — a process in which endangered species are bred in captivity and released back into the wild — underway since 1996, the authors hope their new findings may help inform future conservation efforts, such as identifying areas where they can be released. But it's important not to jump to conclusions, Corti warned. Using such information for modern-day wildlife management requires a thorough understanding of species behavior, morphology, diet and other factors, he said. 'You can make a lot of mistakes' extrapolating historic observational data to inform future management decisions, he added. 'If you are trying to see what happened with the species in the past, you need to know what is going on now,' Corti said. Importantly, Mei noted, this study creates a link between endangered species and culture, which could attract public attention. If the Yangtze finless porpoise can be a flagship species, such as the panda, it will help improve their conservation, he said. Over the past few years, the porpoise population increased for the first time, thanks in part to conservation policies such as fishing bans. 'Conservation is not only (for) scientists,' Mei said. 'It's about everyone, it's about our culture.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local team tracks elusive species returning to remote wilderness: 'Boosting conservation efforts and aiding population recovery'
Once on the brink of extinction, Yangtze finless porpoises in China are rebounding, though they remain critically endangered. Yangtze finless porpoises, affectionately referred to as the Yangtze River's "smiling angels," are on the IUCN Red List but have recently seen a 23.42% population growth thanks to local conservation efforts that prioritize ecological restoration. Sadly, climate change and water pollution have impacted their habitat, and in 2013 the animals were officially classified as "critically endangered." Along the Yangtze River, ecological restoration has been in process through the principle of "enhancing conservation while halting overdevelopment," according to People's Daily Online. Not only are the beloved porpoises seeing the positive impacts, but fish populations and local biodiversity are also experiencing a boost. A local initiative from the Porpoise Tracking Project team set out to track the local porpoise population and their habitat in 2023. The team gathered key data and even used AI technology and sonic detection to enhance the accuracy of their efforts. The porpoises' recovery is a sign that their river system is becoming healthier, driven by pollution cleanup, habitat restoration, and advanced monitoring technologies. These conservation efforts not only protect biodiversity but also benefit local communities by creating green public spaces, encouraging ecotourism, and fostering public engagement with nature. The success of the project shows how community-driven conservation can transform polluted spaces into thriving public havens. It offers a hopeful blueprint for other regions seeking a cleaner, safer future for both people and wildlife. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Global Times highlighted the project's innovation with "tools like satellite tracking and digital public awareness campaigns [that] are boosting conservation efforts and aiding population recovery." Another X post, from JiangsuNow, highlighted "systematic ecological restoration efforts along the Yangtze River, which has attracted global attention." Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Mid East Info
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Changan Automobile releases the Dubhe Plan 2.0, leading the era of AI-driven intelligent driving accessible to everyone
Dubai, UAE, 11 February 2025 — With the development and empowerment of technologies such as AI, alongside the in-depth progress of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, on February 9, 2025, Changan Automobile officially released its intelligence strategy, the Dubhe Plan 2.0, in Chongqing. Collaborating with 'China's Intelligent Driving Partners' including CAC, Geely, Great Wall Motor, BYD, GAC, DFMC, NIO, BAIC, Xpeng, SAIC, Tencent, and Infineon, we jointly embark on the era of intelligent driving for all to open China's next era of intelligent driving! The Dubhe Plan 2.0 envisions 'an intuitive AI-powered smart vehicle that understands you' and adheres to a dual approach of 'inhouse-R&D + collaborative creation,' fully launching the 'Four Major Digital Intelligent Upgrades' initiative. This represents a new milestone for Changan Automobile in its journey toward intelligent transformation and reflects its mission as one of the representatives of Chinese brands to embark on a new era of intelligent driving. Chairman, Changan Automobile–Mr. Zhu Huarong depicted the passionate competitive landscape for Chinese brands striving for excellence and expressed expectations and wishes for Chinese brands to work together with the phrase, Like the surging waves of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, Chinese brands are riding the tide to success! The newly released Dubhe Plan 2.0 outlines a new blueprint for future digital intelligent driving: starting this year, Changan will no longer develop any new non-intelligent vehicles and will introduce 35 new smart vehicles over the next three years. In terms of intelligent driving, by 2026, the CHANGAN Tops AD will achieve all-scenario Level 3 autonomous driving, and by 2028, it will further realize all-scenario Level 4 functionality. Additionally, it is expected that Changan's next generation eVTOLs will complete its test flights by the end of this year, and by 2028, Changan's humanoid robots will roll off the production line. Entering a New Era of Intelligent Transformation 2.0: Launching the 'Four Major Digital Intelligent Upgrades' Initiative Looking back to 2018, Changan Automobile launched the intelligent Dubhe Plan, officially announced the '4+1' initiative and started the intelligent transformation of Chinese brands. Over the span of seven years, CHANGAN has successfully realized the objectives of its Phase 1.0 plan, solidifying its transition into a leading intelligent and low-carbon mobility technology enterprise. As we step into 2025, Changan Automobile reaffirms its commitment to innovation through AI, encapsulated in its motto, 'AI powers innovation, AI powers Changan'. The company is now elevating its intelligent capabilities to unprecedented levels with the introduction of the 'Dubhe Plan 2.0,' underpinned by the 'Four Pillars of Digital Intelligence Enhancement' strategy. Action One: Upgrade digital intelligent solutions for equal access to intelligent driving. In terms of digital intelligent technology, Changan Automobile has named its intelligent technologies based on the SDA platform and CHANGAN Tops Model. The intelligent driving system is called CHANGAN Tops AD, the intelligent cockpit is referred to as CHANGAN Topspace, and the intelligent control chassis is known as CHANGAN Tops Chassis. These three digital intelligent technologies are already at the forefront of the industry. The CHANGAN Tops AD will first feature LiDAR in models priced around 100,000 yuan in August, debuting collision avoidance capabilities in extremely dark environments and severe weather, with night vision capabilities being the best in its class. The AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) collision avoidance speed will be increased to 135 km/h. The Tianheng chassis will bear exceptional maneuverability to provide robust safety guarantees through agile capabilities across three directions and six domains. It will debut features such as crosswind stability control and powerful braking functions in June. The upgraded Tianyu cockpit will achieve full AI integration, launching AI mobility services and AI energy replenishment services before August, based on the world's first 'multi-modal emotional interaction system.' This year, it will also introduce AIEV end-to-end interactive intelligent driving, fully capable of understanding users' natural language. In terms of digital intelligent energy sources, a robotic dog named Lai Fu showcased the CHANGAN Golden Shield all-solid-state battery at the press conference. This battery has an energy density of up to 400 Wh/kg, with a full charge range exceeding 1,500 kilometers. It can also utilize AI for remote diagnostics, enhancing safety by 70%. The functional prototype of the solid-state battery is expected to debut by the end of the year. Vehicle validation is planned for 2026, and gradual mass production of the all-solid-state battery will begin in 2027. In terms of digital intelligent products, starting this year, CHANGAN will no longer develop any new non-intelligent products. Over the next three years, 35 new smart vehicles will be launched, including 10 products from CHANGAN NEVO, such as an economical compact SUV, a mid-to-large SUV, and a mid-to-large MPV. DEEPAL will introduce 10 products, including a compact sedan, a large six-seat SUV, and a new rugged model. AVATR will launch 7 products, including a mid-to-large five-seat SUV, a large six-seat SUV, and a mid-to-large sedan. Action Two: Upgrade digital, intelligent and high-quality manufacturing. Starting this year, CHANGAN will accelerate to advance all its factories toward becoming digital intelligent factories, providing customers with customized products. This initiative aims to enhance delivery efficiency by 40%, reduce carbon emissions by 30%, and lower costs by 20%. Action Three: Improve services through digital intelligent operations. CHANGAN is advancing its 'One Body, Two Wings' AI development strategy, reshaping the entire process system of research, production, supply, sales, and service through AI. The company is strengthening the Digital Intelligent Management (DDM) platform to create a 24/7 service system. Action Four: Shape the future of the industry through an upgraded digital intelligent ecosystem. On one hand, CHANGAN is integrating and interconnecting with the industrial ecosystem to engage in in-depth cooperation with leading domestic AI, ICT, and IoT companies. On the other hand, it aims to co-create a win-win situation with the developer ecosystem by opening up software interfaces and SDK toolkits to developers around the world. This year, new models on the Changan SDA platform will fully support hardware upgrades and software subscriptions. Pioneers of Intelligent Vehicles in the New Era: Embracing a Strong Cycle of Intelligent Product Development Upholding the philosophy of innovation-driven leadership for the future, Changan Automobile has consistently committed to becoming a pioneer in the popularization of intelligent vehicles in the new era. Since 2018, CHANGAN has steadfastly implemented the Dubhe Plan 1.0, fully achieving its intelligent experience goals. This includes ensuring that all new products are 100% connected starting in 2020, equipping all new products with driving assistance systems from 2020 onward, and being the first to release Level 3 autonomous driving technology. By 2025, all in-vehicle functions will be 100% voice-controlled, and to date, the intelligent voice assistant Xiao An has served 4.68 million users. Additionally, in terms of independent research and development, Changan Automobile has not only developed the CHANGAN Tops AD but has also achieved the nation's first 2,000-kilometer intelligent driving long-distance test, the first mass production of Level 2 IACC (Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control) technology, and the global debut of the mass-produced APA 7.0 remote unmanned valet parking system, providing a seamless parking experience from elevator to elevator. The fully self-developed advanced intelligent driving system has been mass-produced in the CHANGAN E07 and has the capability for Level 3 autonomous driving production. In terms of collaborative innovation, CHANGAN is unwaveringly promoting the application of technologies like Qiankun Intelligent Driving and the HarmonyOS in AVATR and DEEPAL products. Currently, entering the Dubhe Plan 2.0 era holds even greater significance for Changan Automobile. As the bearer of the 2.0 plan, CHANGAN will accelerate the implementation of leading intelligent technologies, embracing a strong cycle of intelligent products. On February 9, DEEPAL officially launched its all-scenario intelligent driving solution, marking a new chapter in Intelligent Driving Accessible to Everyone. At the event, the DEEPAL S09 led the lineup together with multiple products, including the DEEPAL S05, S07, and L07. Additionally, the AVATR 07 Pro+ and CHANGAN Q07 will soon follow. The AVATR 07 Pro+ is equipped with Qiankun Intelligent Driving and HarmonyOS, making it the most advanced and cost-effective intelligent driving model available on the market today. The CHANGAN E07, released last year, is the industry's first and only mass-produced all-scenario intelligent variable vehicle, debuting the voice-controlled automatic lane-changing feature. The upcoming CHANGAN Q07, built on the new generation all-electric SDA platform, aims to create an intelligent SUV for the whole family. Changan Automobile is truly making intelligent driving technology and high-value digital intelligent vehicles accessible to society. Leading the Future of Digital Intelligence: Open China's next era of intelligent driving The firm implementation of the Dubhe Plan is backed by cutting-edge technology. Over the past seven years, Changan Automobile has invested more than 114.8 billion yuan, built a research and development team of 18,000 people, established a software and AI talent pool of over 5,000, and achieved more than 200 standards and 9,345 patents, to develop 46 intelligent connected vehicles and provide high-quality intelligent connected vehicle experiences for 28 million users. This has driven the complete achievement of the goals set by the Dubhe Plan 1.0 while continuously improving operational quality, reaching a seven-year high. Now, with the Dubhe Plan 2.0 as a platform, Changan Automobile is leading the future of digital intelligence, showing China's technological strength and cultural confidence to the world, and creating a new global emblem for Chinese intelligent driving. Looking ahead, Changan Automobile remains committed to The Third Business Venture& Entrepreneurship Plan—full steam ahead with the Dubhe Plan 2.0. The company aims to exceed total sales of 5 million vehicles by 2030, with 4 million from its self-owned segment and over 3 million from digital intelligent vehicles, establishing itself as a world-class brand. Ninety-three years ago, the renowned poet Guo Moruo penned the inspiring words 'Strive to catch up, devote all wisdom' in his celebrated work 'Ode to CHANGAN'. These words have since become an enduring symbol of Changan's distinctive legacy within Chinese culture. The launch of the Dubhe Plan 2.0 is Changan Automobile's new interpretation of this phrase. This strategic initiative not only serves as Changan's visionary response to a century of automotive evolution but also stands as a powerful testament to Chinese brands' leadership in the era of intelligent transformation. As we witness this historic moment, we anticipate with great enthusiasm Changan Automobile's journey toward a future where technology and dreams converge, navigating by the stars as its guide and charting a course through the vast expanse of innovation. -END- About Changan Automobile With its CHANGAN, DEEPAL and AVATR, Changan Automobile is one of the 'Big Four' Chinese automakers. It has 22 production facilities in 12 production bases around the world. It's global R&D network connects 10 cities in six countries (Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Dingzhou and Hefei in China, Turin in Italy, Yokohama in Japan, Birmingham in the UK, Detroit in the US, and Munich in Germany), and brings together the talents of more than 18,000 engineers from 31 countries and regions. It has had a presence in the Middle East and Africa market since 1994, with cumulative sales of 400,000 units. To further expand its global footprint, in 2023 the company launched its Vast Ocean Plan. With a mission to 'lead auto culture and benefit human life', Changan is transforming itself into an intelligent, low-carbon mobility tech company that contributes to society and meets people's needs for a better life. For more information, please visit:
