Vaquita
Phocoena sinus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaquita
Overview
The vaquita is a species of porpoise endemic to the northern end of the Gulf of California in Baja California, Mexico. Reaching a maximum body length of 150 cm (4.9 ft) (females) or 140 cm (4.6 ft) (males), it is the smallest of all living cetaceans. The species is currently on the brink of extinction, and is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List; the steep decline in abundance is primarily due to bycatch in gillnets from the illegal totoaba fishery.
The vaquita faces imminent extinction primarily due to entanglement in gillnets used for illegal fishing of the totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite fishing bans and protected area designations, illegal gillnet fishing continues throughout the vaquita's range, with virtually every individual at risk of fatal entanglement. The species' extremely limited range in the northern Gulf of California makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, and its slow reproductive rate prevents population recovery even with reduced mortality.
Habitat
The vaquita inhabits shallow, turbid waters of the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico, preferring depths of less than 50 meters. This marine porpoise is endemic to the Colorado River Delta region, where it favors areas with strong tidal currents and high turbidity created by the mixing of Colorado River outflow with marine waters.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PHOCOENIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is Vaquita classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Vaquita live?
What are the main threats to Vaquita?
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