A student volunteer introduces the exhibits to visitors at Shenzhen Museum. (Photos by Cao Zhen)

A small but concise exhibition featuring specimens of Chinese white dolphins (中华白海豚) and other marine species is being held at the Shenzhen Museum this winter to raise the public's awareness of endangered species and the need to protect our environment. On loan from the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin Reserve in Zhuhai, the five Chinese white dolphin specimens at the exhibition were made from stranded dead dolphins, according to Gu Xichun, head of the reserve.

Five Chinese white dolphin specimens.

A Chinese white dolphin's skin color changes throughout its life. At birth, the dolphins are black. They change to grey, then pinkish with spots when young and finally as adults, they are white. The five specimens at the exhibition precisely show the five different growth stages of a dolphin.

A Chinese white dolphin specimen

The Chinese white dolphin is one of the world's rarest mammals and it was the official mascot of the 1997 sovereignty changing ceremonies in Hong Kong. Due to water pollution, reclamation and frequent vessel collisions in the Pearl River Estuary, the dolphins face a very real risk of extinction. Commercial fishing in the ocean region causes the diminishment of Chinese white dolphins' food sources and is threatening their survival. "After five years' watch and research, there are only 2,100 Chinese white dolphins left in the Pearl River Estuary, the body of water between Macao and Hong Kong, with the majority found in the mainland waters and the rest in Hong Kong," said Gu.

A rough-toothed dolphin (above)

He said that the reserve has been running boat trips to observe the Chinese white dolphins since 2011 in the neighboring area of the reserve, strictly adhering to the code of conduct for dolphin-watching activities. As well, other ships are not allowed to sail through the reserve and its neighboring water area. "If you hope to save our Chinese white dolphins, please use plastic bags as little as possible, use less shower gel and also don't litter," said Gu.

A Chinese sturgeon specimen

Other specimens at the exhibition include a rough-toothed dolphin (糙齿海豚), a Risso's dolphin (灰海豚), a Chinese sturgeon (中华鲟), a minke whale (小须鲸) and two green sea turtles. The rough-toothed dolphin's teeth are distinctive, having a roughened surface formed by numerous narrow irregular ridges. They have been reported to have between 19 and 28 teeth in each quarter of the jaw. The Chinese sturgeon is a critically endangered species due to habitat loss and overfishing. It is strictly protected by the Chinese Government, named a "national treasure" much like the giant panda.

A minke whale bone specimen

The minke whale is a species within the suborder of baleen whales. It is the smallest member of the rorquals and the second smallest species of baleen whale. Although first ignored by whalers due to its small size and low oil yield, it began to be exploited by various countries beginning in the early 20th century.

Tribacna

Meanwhile, sea snails, including a Cassis cornuta (唐冠螺), a Charonia tritonis (凤尾螺), a Cypraecassis rufa (万宝螺) and a nautiloid (鹦鹉螺), and a Tribacna (砗磲) are also on display.

Sea snails

Dates: Until Feb. 18

Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: Shenzhen Museum, Block A, Civic Center, Futian District (福田区市民中心A区深圳博物馆新馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 4, Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B