Listen to the 'Smiling Angel': Recording Yangtze Finless Porpoises in the Yangtze Estuary

On May 5, 2024, the SMART Lab team from Shanghai Ocean University shared exciting news: they successfully captured the acoustic signals of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise (often called the “Smiling Angel”) in the Yangtze Estuary.

These recordings are crucial for monitoring the population and behavior of this critically endangered species.

The Sound of the “Smiling Angel”

The echolocation clicks of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise are ultrasonic, typically around 120-140 kHz, which is far beyond human hearing. To make them audible, our researchers use specialized equipment to record and then downsample the audio.

Click below to listen to the processed sound of a porpoise: (This audio has been pitch-shifted to be audible to humans)

Scientific Significance

Acoustic monitoring provides a non-invasive way to track these shy creatures. By analyzing these “clicks,” our team can estimate their numbers, track their movements, and identify their key habitats without disturbing them. This data is vital for supporting conservation efforts in the Yangtze River protection strategy.