Vaquita

What is a "vaquita"?

The vaquita is a critically endangered species of porpoise that is known for being the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. They have a distinctive appearance, with a stocky body, a rounded head, and dark rings around their eyes and lips. Vaquitas are found exclusively in the Gulf of California in Mexico and are known for their shy and elusive nature, making them challenging to study and observe. The vaquita population has drastically declined in recent years due to entanglement in fishing gear, primarily from illegal fishing practices, leading to their critically endangered status. Conservation efforts are ongoing to save the remaining vaquita population and prevent their extinction.