Vaquita – Viva Vaquita | Help save the Vaquita Porpoise!

The Vaquita Porpoise

Discover the story of Earth's most endangered marine mammal and why there's still hope for their survival.

Meet the Vaquita

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Its name means "little cow" in Spanish, reflecting its gentle, docile nature.

First described by scientists in 1958, the vaquita was already rare when discovered. Today, with less than 15 individuals remaining, it holds the tragic distinction of being the world's most endangered marine mammal.

Despite their dire situation, vaquitas are resilient. Genetic research shows they have adapted to small population sizes over thousands of years, meaning they can recover—if we give them the chance.

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Meet the Vaquita

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Its name means "little cow" in Spanish, reflecting its gentle, docile nature.

First described by scientists in 1958, the vaquita was already rare when discovered. Today, with less than 15 individuals remaining, it holds the tragic distinction of being the world's most endangered marine mammal.

Despite their dire situation, vaquitas are resilient. Genetic research shows they have adapted to small population sizes over thousands of years, meaning they can recover—if we give them the chance.

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Family Phocoenidae - Porpoises

Family Phocoenidae - Porpoises

SPECIES PROFILE

Quick Facts

Size

4-5 feet

Smallest porpoise species

Habitat

Northern Gulf of California

Mexico only

Diet

Fish & Squid

Bottom-dwelling species

Lifespan

~21 years

In the wild

SPECIES PROFILE

Quick Facts

Size

4-5 feet

Smallest porpoise species

Habitat

Northern Gulf of California

Mexico only

Diet

Fish & Squid

Bottom-dwelling species

Lifespan

~21 years

In the wild

Distinctive Features

Dark Eye Rings
Perhaps their most recognizable feature, vaquitas have distinctive dark circles around their eyes, giving them a unique, expressive appearance.
Dark Lip Patches
They also have dark patches on their lips, which extend from the mouth corners, adding to their distinctive facial markings.
Compact Body
As the smallest porpoise species, vaquitas have stocky bodies with a tall, triangular dorsal fin proportionally larger than other porpoises.
Coloration
Their bodies are gray on top, fading to white on the underside, providing camouflage in the murky waters of the Gulf.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Critically Endangered

The vaquita is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with the population declining by over 97% since 1997.

1997

~600 Vaquitas

First comprehensive population estimate

2015

~60 Vaquitas

Population crashes due to gillnet deaths

2026

Less than 15 Vaquitas

Current estimate — fighting for survival

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THE PROBLEM

Why Are They Dying?

Gillnet Entanglement

Vaquitas are not hunted directly, but they become trapped in gillnets—large mesh nets used for fishing. Unable to surface to breathe, they drown within minutes.

Illegal Totoaba Trade

The primary driver is poaching of totoaba fish. Their swim bladders are smuggled to China where they're sold for up to $50,000 per kilogram for traditional medicine—despite no proven benefits.

Enforcement Challenges

Despite a gillnet ban in vaquita habitat, illegal fishing continues. The remote location and lucrative black market make enforcement extremely difficult.