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The Vaquita
The vaquita is a small porpoise (whales, dolphins, and porpoises are called cetaceans by scientists). It is one of only six species of true porpoises, and is the only one that occurs in warm waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is found in a tiny area in the extreme northern Gulf of California, in Baja California, Mexico. It is a unique species, with a body shape and color pattern unlike that of any other. It has a tall dorsal fin (for a porpoise) and a beautiful color pattern on the face, with dark eye rings and lip patches that look like an application of “goth” make-up. There is only one small population, and if the species goes extinct, they will be gone forever.
¡Viva Vaquita!
Vaquita Facts
- The vaquita has only been known to us since 1958.
- Vaquita means “little cow” in Spanish.
- At about 5 feet (1.5 m) long, it’s the smallest species of cetacean.
- The vaquita lives only about a 4 hour drive from San Diego.
- Unlike other porpoises, vaquitas give birth only every other year.
- Newborns are born in the spring (March/April).
- They live to be about 20-21 years old.
- Vaquitas have never been held in aquaria.
- It is the rarest and most-endangered species of marine mammal in the world.
- Its fate is tied to that of the upper Gulf of California ecosystem.
- The vaquita could go extinct in two years if we do not act NOW.
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