What is the vaquita
The vaquita is the world's smallest cetacean. Its name means "little cow" in Spanish. A dark ring arou
nd the eyes is its most striking feature, along with a proportionally large dorsal fin. The vaquita is unique among the porpoises as it is the only species of that family found in warm waters, and the size of the dorsal fin is believed to be an adaptation to that, allowing for extra body heat to dissipate. Vaquita only live in the northern Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Like many other species of porpoise, vaquita tend to be shy and elusive, avoiding boats when approached. They are most commonly sighted in shallow waters up to 50 metres deep. And like their closest relative, the harbour porpoise, they tend to prefer turbid, nutrient
rich coastal waters which attract their preferred prey: small fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.
What are Porpoises?
Many species, including the vaquita, are barely studied. Most of what we know about them comes from examining animals that have been washed ashore.
Why the Vaquita is endangered?
The reason why the Vaquita is endangered is because they are being caught in up in gill nets which are used to catch another endangered species called the totoaba fish, which is prized by the Chinese for its swim bladder. This fish is caught illegally and sold to the Chinese.What is being done to save the Vaquita
The WWF is on red alert after a recent report from the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita estimated the vaquita population at no more than 30. In the past, WWF has helped study vaquitas and implement protective measures with the Mexican government and local partners. They have been working with Mexican scientists, government representatives, and other partners and collaborators to develop a long-term strategy for conservation of the species.WWF are now calling for urgent and immediate measures to save the last of the vaquitas. Based on expert recommendations, WWF calls on the Mexican government to strongly enforce a ban on gillnet fisheries throughout the entire range of the species starting in September 2014. They also ask that the US and China help stamp out the illegal trade in totoaba products and provide enforcement support to the Mexican government, without which vaquitas will go the way of the dodo.
