The vaquita is a porpoise originally found in the Gulf of California.
This incredible animal can be about five feet long and weigh about 120 pounds.
The vaquita has been endangered for years.
In 1997, there were about 600 of these animals, and in 2017, only 30. Today, the situation is even worse, because it is believed that there are only ten of them left.
#ICYMI: New research shows there may be hope for the endangered vaquita porpoise. Their small population of 10 still has enough genetic diversity to recover — if we act now to protect them from gillnets. https://t.co/OL3iatb63w
— Center for Biological Diversity (@CenterForBioDiv) May 16, 2022
Vaquitas are truly amazing animals. It is not rare that they are called sea pandas because of their appearance.
These animals live in shallow and warm water. Unlike other types of porpoises, vaquitas tolerate warm water well.
Unfortunately, this species is almost extinct.
It's #EndangeredSpeciesDay : a reminder that there are too many species that fit the definition of 'endangered'. The vaquita is the smallest and most endangered cetacean with as few as 10 individuals left. We work to help species like the vaquita; they give us porpoise. pic.twitter.com/4wuiWIb8WB
— The Carmichael Lab – Dauphin Island Sea Lab (@CarmichaelLab) May 21, 2022
There are many reasons why this species is dying out. Andrea Crosta is not at all optimistic about the remaining vasquitas due to illegal fishing.
Andrea is from Earth League International, a wildlife trade watchdog group, and she recently learned that there are very few vasquitas left.
There is a glimmer of hope for the endangered vaquita, but things must change now. #EndangeredSpeciesDay
https://t.co/nUbiz0W8rs— Greenpeace International (@Greenpeace) May 20, 2022
Some environmentalists believe that a few of these animals should be rescued and bred in captivity.
Vasquita CPR is an organization that deals with the protection of nature and they put all their efforts in 2017 to save these animals. Unfortunately, they did not succeed.
Andrea said that even if all the vasquitas get hurt, they will be persistent in bringing to justice all those responsible for it.
Friday is National Endangered Species Day and we are proud to say Island Lake 1st Graders raised $65.59 to make a virtual adoption of the critically endangered marine mammal, the vaquita. Way to go 1st Graders! YOU are making a difference! pic.twitter.com/vmVhRZv6zQ
— Island Lake (@ILElementary) May 18, 2022
Source: Upworthy