The Chinese paddlefish's sharp, protruding snout made it one of the largest freshwater species in the world. Since scientists declared it extinct in a research paper published last week, Chinese internet users and media outlets have been paying tribute to the hefty creature.
"It's farewell at first sight," said China Youth Daily, noting that many were lamentably unfamiliar with the paddlefish before learning of its demise. Users shared similar sentiments on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.
"As no individuals exist in captivity, and no living tissues are conserved for potential resurrection, the fish should be considered extinct," the paper said, pointing to criteria for inclusion on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. The paper said since the late 1970s Chinese paddlefish populations declined drastically. The decline corresponded with major dam construction in the Yangtze. During that time, the Gezhouba Dam was built on the main stream of the river, and the opening of the Three Gorges dam project followed in 2003 -- the last year a live Chinese paddlefish was sighted.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pneumonia outbreak in China may be linked to new virus from SARS, MERS family: WHOChinese state television says expert group detected new coronavirus
Read more »
Apple’s iPhone sales in China up 18 per cent in DecemberApple shipped roughly 3.2 million phones in China in December, up from 2.7 million a year earlier
Read more »
As White House plans U.S.-China Phase 1 ceremony, still no final deal textSources say top officials from Beijing and U.S. lawmakers are expected to attend the signing between President Donald Trump and China’s vice premier Liu He
Read more »
As White House plans U.S.-China Phase 1 ceremony, still no final deal textSources say top officials from Beijing and U.S. lawmakers are expected to attend the signing between President Donald Trump and China’s vice premier Liu He
Read more »
'We love them': Edmontonians who perished in Iran plane crash mourned at vigilCandles were lit, prayers were said and people held each other while weeping at the Alberta Legislature Wednesday night, as about 75 people gathered to mourn Edmonton residents killed in a plane crash in Iran.
Read more »