Vaquita

Vaquita Latest News

A report by the North American Environmental Commission has criticized Mexico for failing to protect the endangered vaquita porpoise, with only 10 remaining.

About Vaquita

• It is a shy member and the smallest of the porpoise family.
• Vaquitas are the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals.

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Distribution of Vaquita

• It is the smallest range of any whale, dolphin, or porpoise.
• It lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California, an area that is rich in fish and shrimp. 
• It is most commonly sighted in shallow waters up to 50 metres deep.

Features of Vaquita

• Vaquitas are the smallest cetaceans—the group that includes dolphins, porpoises,
• Although they do visually resemble dolphins, their closest relatives, vaquitas, have chunkier bodies and rounded heads with no snouts.
• Their dorsal fins are unique in that they are taller and wider than most other porpoises.
• Known for their elusive nature, vaquitas tend to shy away from boats and human activity.
• Vaquitas communicate using echolocation (or sonar) by emitting high-frequency clicks.
• Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN)
• Threats: The decrease in the vaquita population is also related to the totoaba, a large fish that also only lives in the Gulf of California.

Source: DTE