About the vaquita
This rare porpoise breed is one like no other.
A few facts
The vaquita porpoise is the smallest breed of porpoise
The vaquita is the world's most endangered marine animal
You can tell one individual vaquita from another because of their markings on their dorsal fins
The vaquita is found in only on place in the world - the Gulf of California
In 2005, the Mexican government banned gill-nets to protect vaquitas
Where are they located?
The vaquita porpoise is found in only one place in the world: in the Gulf of California. They are extremely rare, but if you did happen to be near one, they would swim away or hide, as they are also very shy creatures.
Hunters
Vaquitas used to be hunted because they look like their features around their eyes and mouth makes them look like they are wearing makeup.
Gill-nets
A lot of vaquitas were accidentally caught in gill-nets. This helped to lower their numbers heavily.
Species profile:
Conservation status: Critically endangered
Scientific name: Phocoena sinus
Ecology: Usually found in pairs or alone.
Behaviour: Slow surfacing and inconspicuous.
Reproduction: Mate at 3 - 6 years. Gestation period is 11 months.
Lifespan: Without being killed, their average lifespan is 21+ years.
Diet: Carnivore. Small fish and squid.
Length: 1.5 metres
Weight: 43 kg