The vaquita porpoise is the most endangered marine mammal species on the planet.. It is one of seven species of dolphins, 150 centimeters long and 50 kilograms in weight. It is a marine mammal endemic to Mexican waters. inhabits the biosphere reserve of the Gulf of California. Representatives from several countries conspired to prevent extinction: international committee will promote measures and strategies for species recovery.
The species is considered an animal “critically endangered”. Actually only about 10 copies left. This week was celebrated vaquita marina International Day. This the smallest marine mammal on the planet and the rarest. It is difficult to observe it in its habitat. Poaching, pollution and habitat change are some of the factors that hinder their survival.. Also, it has a low reproductive rate.
Why are they called vaquitas? According to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), there is no clear explanation of the origin of the name; but their appearance may provide some clue: vaquita porpoises are stocky, have white bellies and dark circles around their eyes and mouth. Vaquita ancestors had four legs. A feature of this type is the protruding appearance of the lips. there is shy and mysteriousthey are usually alone or accompanied by a teenager.
UNAM explains that “after millions of years they returned to the water and gradually changed shape: the front legs became fins and the hind legs disappeared.”
discovered in 1958
The official discovery of Vaquitas dates back to 1958. In 1997 there were 570 specimens of vaquitas in the world, in 2015 there were only 60 left, and the number of vaquitas is currently believed to be only 10.
Why did the extinction of the vaquita accelerate? There are several reasons: Poor fishing policies in Mexico and the number of people looking for totoaba fish. For the fate of the vaquitas is strongly linked to the fate of other species, similar to the bass, a large crop in great demand in China. In the traditional medicine of that country, dried fish larynx is believed to be an aphrodisiac and generally beneficial to health.
In that country’s black market, a kilo of crop can be sold for up to 8,000 euros, according to the Mexican Government. It’s not for nothing that it’s called the “cocaine of the sea”. According to the UN, the smuggling of this fish is controlled by organized crime. To fish for totoaba, fishermen use gill nets or gill nets, in which vaquitas get stuck and drown.
Vaquita habitat is very limited and the food supply in the marine environment is affected by quality and nutrient level. The dam of the Colorado River has reduced the flow of freshwater into the bay, which is dangerous to the vaquita. In addition pesticide use Chlorine can also have a detrimental effect.
affected by climate change
The scarcity of specimens and the fact that they reproduce every two years or more, the pregnancy lasts between 10 and 11 months and they give birth to only one offspring pose additional problems for the survival of the species.
Climate change is another reason why the vaquita marina is declining.. Given the increase in water temperature or other changes in ecosystem characteristics, most species migrationsomething that is very likely to happen soon in the case of the vaquita, which in turn increases competition with other species and makes it more difficult to survive.
What measures were taken to prevent the destruction of the Vaquita marina? ever created Vaquita Rescue International Committee (CIRVA) to start a sequence Strategies and measures to ensure species recovery.
These strategies consist of: promoting the development and maintenance of the Gulf of California regionthe species and also To promote sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing practiceThe vaquita will not cause any damage to the marina or affect its preservation.