An international team of researchers has concluded that the Baiji dolphins of China’s Yangtze River are probably extinct. If they are correct this makes the Baiji the first species of whale or dolphin ever to be wiped out due to human activity.

Baiji dolphins have not been spotted for years, not even in a six-week search in late two thousand six. It is believed that pollution and overfishing are the main causes for their demise.

It has been known for years that the Baiji dolphin was in imminent danger, but indecision about the best course of action meant little was done to save them. Researches say the demise of the Baiji, now listed as “critically endangered and possibly extinct”, underscores the need to act quickly to save other endangered shallow water cetaceans.

Read more on this story from the Intenational Herald Tribune