Changjiang River dolphin returned after a missing decade in China

Changjiang River Dolphin (China), one of the oldest mammals on earth, is believed to have reappeared after years of disappearance.

Conservationists in China believe that they have just seen the Truong Gian river dolphin reappear after they were declared extinct a decade ago.

According to Guardian, a group of nature lovers said they had seen the animal, which was dubbed the "Changjiang Goddess" on a branch of this river, which flowed through Wuhu City, Anhui Province last week.

"No creature can jump out of the Yangtze River water like that," said Song Qi, the leader of the group, sharing with Sixth Tone . "All witnesses, including fishermen, believe that it is a baiji."

"Baiji" dolphins, endemic animals live in the lower reaches of Changjiang River, China.(Photo: AFP).

Baiji (Sino-Vietnamese dolphin: Bach Ky), or white fin dolphin , is the Chinese name for the endemic freshwater dolphin living in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River (another name of Changjiang) 20 million years ago. In 2006, scientists declared the "Truong Giang goddess" extinct after six weeks of searching but failed.

Speaking to Guardian, Song said his group had started a exploration trip along the Truong Giang River since September 30.

On the morning of October 4, he saw a "white dot" emerging on the river surface, immediately afterwards a "white light" appeared gleaming. The scene repeated a few seconds later making him believe it to be a baiji.

Mr. Song admitted that he is not an expert on animals and is not entirely sure that "Truong Giang goddess" returned. However, Song said the local fishermen who witnessed the scene assured that it was the extinct dolphin.

According to scientists, in the 1950s, the Truong Giang River was home to thousands of endemic white fin dolphins. However, by the end of the 1980s, the number of these species had decreased to only about 200. This is believed to be a consequence of the construction of hydroelectricity, massive fishing, pollution as well as the operation of vessels through again on Changjiang River.