Vaquita

Vaquitas are the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals. Less than 20 vaquitas remain in the wild. Read more about Vaquita, Family, Distribution, Features, Latest News

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.

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

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Vaquita FAQs

Q1. What are cetaceans?+

Q2. What is the echolocation?+

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