Yangtze Sturgeon Successfully Reproduces in the Wild After Two Decades

In a remarkable discovery, footage captured in the shallow waters of the Chishui River in Guizhou province, Southwest China, showcased a tiny, grey larva emerging from its egg. This seemingly ordinary event was monumental for a group of scientists witnessing it; they celebrated the first successful natural reproduction of the Yangtze sturgeon in the wild in more than two decades, representing a crucial step for this critically endangered species.

The success followed years of dedicated efforts from a collaborative team of researchers associated with the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Sturgeon Research Institute, and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The Yangtze sturgeon, once integral to the river ecosystem, faced severe threats from pollution and overfishing, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to declare it extinct in the wild by 2022. Previous natural spawning was last observed in 2000, prompting scientists to tirelessly develop strategies to recreate suitable spawning conditions for the species.

Following numerous controlled experiments on modifying water flows and riverbed environments in areas of the Yangtze River, the research team looked to the relatively pristine Chishui River as their site of ambition. Utilizing advanced technology such as drones and hydrological modeling, they meticulously shaped a section of the riverbed to match the critical conditions needed for spawning.

After releasing 20 adult sturgeons into their new habitat in early April, researchers monitored their behaviors incessantly, hoping for indicators of mating. Their persistence paid off on April 12, when the sturgeons exhibited gathering patterns in the designated channels, leading to the discovery of fertilized eggs the next day. This culminated in the first hatchlings emerging on April 16, a significant proof that the Yangtze sturgeon retains the capacity for reproduction in its natural habitat.

Declaring the event a foundational moment for the potential restoration of the Yangtze sturgeon's natural breeding, leading researcher Liu Huanzhang shared the enthusiasm for the outcomes. Associate researcher Liu Fei emphasized that the survival of this species is indicative of the broader health of the ecosystem, and this achievement may serve as a model for conservation efforts targeting other endangered aquatic species. The research team plans to continue monitoring the growth of the newly hatched sturgeons while refining their conservation strategies to ensure their protection in the wild.