China has reached a historic milestone in wildlife conservation with the successful artificial breeding of third-generation Chinese sturgeon, the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) announced this week. This achievement, accomplished at the Yangtze River Rare Fish Conservation Center, represents a critical step toward sustainable population recovery for this endangered 'living fossil' species.
Researchers meticulously prepared second-generation parent sturgeon through nutritional optimization and environmental simulations before conducting artificial induction in early November. The process yielded over 112,000 viable fry with a 95% fertilization rate – a testament to refined conservation techniques developed since the first-generation breeding program began in the 1980s.
'This breakthrough proves second-generation sturgeon can fully mature and reproduce under controlled conditions,' said Jiang Wei, deputy director of CTGC's research center. 'It enables us to transition from experimental breeding to large-scale population development.'
CTGC plans to implement an 'artificial-plus-natural' protection system, combining advanced breeding technologies with habitat restoration efforts along the Yangtze River. The Chinese sturgeon, a migratory species dating back 140 million years, remains a key indicator of ecological health in Asia's longest waterway.
This conservation success aligns with broader biodiversity initiatives across China, offering valuable insights for preserving endangered aquatic species worldwide. Researchers emphasize the potential applications for maintaining genetic diversity and rebuilding wild populations through science-driven interventions.
