(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

A scientific survey of Yangtze finless porpoises in the Jiangsu section of the country's longest river Yangtze has recorded 86 sightings of the iconic species over an 800-kilometer journey.

The survey helped identified popular locations for Yangtze finless porpoises during the dry winter season, including a notable sighting of a baby finless porpoise swimming alongside its mother.

The finless porpoise, known as the "giant panda of the water," is a barometer of the ecological environment in the Yangtze River basin and is under first-class state wildlife protection.

Over the past decades, its population has declined due to habitat loss and other factors. Recent years have seen improvements in the section’s water quality, thanks to the enforcement of the Law on the Protection of the Yangtze River and various initiatives such as waterway regulation, establishment of protected areas and a ten-year fishing ban. As a result, the endangered species has been spotted more frequently in the river, with some areas becoming stable habitats.

To avoid double-counting, the survey ship maintained a parallel course 300 meter away from the shoreline at speeds between 8 and 15km/h.

In addition, researchers collected water samples for further study to enhance understanding of the movement and habitat preferences of the species.

Moreover, the survey captured photos of Relict Gull (Larus relictus), a new species also spotted in Suzhou.