What kind of porpoise is the vaquita?

The vaquita is a species of porpoise belonging to the family Phocoenidae and the genus Phocoena.

They are the smallest porpoise in the world, with a small head and a round body. In English, they are called 'vaquita,' which means 'little cow' in Spanish. It is said that they were named 'vaquita' because their vocalizations resemble the sound of a cow mooing. They have a grayish body and distinctive black rings around their eyes. Their lips are black, making them look as if they are wearing lipstick! They are very elusive and rarely seen, so much about their ecology remains a mystery. They usually travel alone or in small groups of a few to a dozen individuals, and they feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans.

What do vaquitas eat?

Vaquitas are carnivores, primarily feeding on small fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs.

They swim along the shallow seabed, foraging for food. They also use echolocation to find prey. By emitting sound waves, they can understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey. This ability allows them to hunt efficiently, even in murky water.

[Quiz!] Why are vaquitas critically endangered?

The vaquita is listed as 'Critically Endangered' (CR) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List and is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

The main reason for their drastic decline in numbers is 'bycatch.' Bycatch occurs when fishing gear unintentionally catches non-target species, such as dolphins. Vaquitas live in a very limited area of the northern Gulf of California in Mexico. This area is also a hot spot for shrimp fishing. As a result, they often get caught in shrimp fishing nets and drown. Currently, there are only an estimated 10 vaquitas left in the wild.

To save the vaquita, it is crucial to reduce bycatch. The Mexican government has implemented measures to regulate shrimp fishing in the vaquita's habitat. International conservation organizations, like WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), are also working hard to protect vaquitas. However, their numbers are very low, and the threat of extinction is severe. Immediate action is needed to secure their future.

[Quiz!] What efforts are being made to protect vaquitas?

A variety of efforts are being made to protect vaquitas:

・Regulation of fishing to prevent bycatch: Regulating fishing in the vaquita's habitat helps reduce bycatch.

・Enforcement of bans on illegal fishing: Illegal fishing not only endangers the vaquita, but also has a negative impact on the marine ecosystem. Enforcing bans on illegal fishing can help protect vaquitas.

・Habitat protection: Protecting the environment of the Gulf of California, the vaquita's habitat, can help ensure their survival.

・Captive breeding: Breeding vaquitas in captivity could help increase their numbers. However, this approach has not yet been successful due to the difficulty of keeping them in captivity.

・Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the plight of vaquitas and the importance of their conservation.

These efforts play a crucial role in protecting the future of the vaquita.