Yesterday the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) launched a new conservation program called EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct & Genetically Endangered) to safeguard some of the world's rarest mammals, although some may already be extinct. The program highlights 100 species selected because of the peculiarity of their genetic backgrounds and the degree of danger they face. Number one on the list is the Yangzee river dolphin (also known as baiji in Chinese). ZSL isn't even sure it exists anymore. Currently, they are conducting a series of fishermen interviews along the Yangtze to establish whether any baiji survive in the river. A recent survey by the Bajij Foundation was unable to find any and declared the dolphin functionally extinct. According to Chinese legend, this graceful freshwater dolphin is the reincarnation of a drowned princess. I wonder if there will be a new legend as to what will be her next reincarnation...To sponsor an endangered species and track its conservation progress, visit http://www.edgeofexistence.org/. I donated £10 to their program focusing on the Golden-rumped elephant shrew (number 46), but I also recommend the African wild ass (number 13)!
