Classification: 

The baiji has the unenviable honour of being the first species of cetacean to have become extinct as a result of human activity.

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Appearance: 

The baiji was similar in appearance to other species of river dolphin with a stocky body, a long narrow beak that is slightly upturned, and a mouthline that curves upwards.

It had a rounded melon with an abrupt forehead and tiny eyes that were set higher up on the head than in other species of dolphin.

Unlike the South Asian River dolphin which is functionally blind, the baiji was able to see, although its eyesight was poor.

Colouration was generally bluish grey on the back and greyish white underneath, with pale patches on the side of the face and tailstock.

The dorsal fin was low and triangular and set upon a wide base. 

 

 

Behaviour: 

The baiji was not a demonstrative species and was known to be much more active at night.

They were typically found alone or in groups of six or so around shallow sandbanks and where tributaries join rivers.

They were quiet, shy, and difficult to approach and were known to actively avoid vessels.

They have been recorded swimming erratically, rapidly changing direction and swimming on their back or side, whilst at other times they were seen to swim very slowly.

The blow was high-pitched and sounded like a sneeze, very similar to that of the Yangtze finless porpoise (N. a. asiaeorientalis) with whom they used to sometimes be seen associating.