Saving A Species: Vaquitas

Species: Vaquita

Scientific Name: Phocoena Sinus

Length: Up to 5 feet

Weight: Up to 120 pounds

Status: Critically Endangered (Estimated 60-100 left)

Location: Gulf of California

Photo: SeaWorld My Actions

About the Vaquita

There are currently estimated to be less than 100 vaquitas remaining in the world. They are found only in the Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico. Their breeding pattern is rather unusual: vaquitas only breed every other year, which is not a good sign for a recovery in their population in the near future. 

Vaquitas are the smallest species of porpoise, and therefore, the smallest cetecean known to exist currently. Sightings are very rare, as the little guys are known to be a "shy" species, are are freightened by boat noise and traffic. Their life span is appoximatley 20 years in the wild, and have never been kept in captivity. 

Threats

Like far too many endangered species, the primary predator of the vaquita is: humans. Gillnets (nearly invisible to the animals) that fishmen use to hunt for fish are the primary cause of death. Gillnets have been banned by the Mexican government, but unfourntinatley, its not that simple. There's a lot of money on the table for the local fisherman who are hunting. not vaquitas, but an endangered species of fish called totoaba. An organ inside the totoaba called a "swim bladder" is worth thousands to Chinese buyers, who turn the organ into drugs. The rest of the fish is thrown away, while the organ alone is worth up to $8,500 a kilo. Some poachers simply ignore the ban on gillnets: there's just too much money at stake for them. Vaquitas can easily become trapped inside these nets, and be drowned, so without even trying, these poachers have nearly driven the vaquita to extinction.  

What Scientists Are Doing

The Mexican govenment has banned the use of gillnets, as stated before. However, since no vaquitas have ever been kept in captivity, and sightings in the wild are extordinarily rare, very little is known about vaquitas. Some fisherman have halted their operations all together, or have tried out different nets. But with significant losses to the fishermen's income, it is not likely they'll stay in port forever. The vaquita will truely need a miracle to survive. 

How You Can Help

Raise awareness. Tweet using the #SaveTheVaquita to help inform others of the situation. You can also complete the Vaquita Challenge, by texting #helpVAQUITAS to 21212, SeaWorld will donate $1 towards vaquita conservation! It might not seem like much, but the tiniest ripple can spread and grow and make a really big splash! 

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Sources: World Wildlife Fund (WWF), SeaWorld Cares, 60 Minutes