Vaquitas, known scientifically as Phocoena sinus, are neither dolphins nor what you commonly call whales, but they do belong to the same group of marine mammals, known as cetaceans. Vaquitas…
Can vaquitas be kept in captivity?
With fewer than 20 individuals estimated to be left in the wild, the question of whether to keep vaquitas in captivity has been a matter of debate among conservationists and…
CIRVA
CIRVA is an acronym for Comité Internacional para la Recuperación de la Vaquita (International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita). CIRVA is an international team of scientists established by…
How is the vaquita adapted to its habitat?
Several physical and behavioral traits have evolved to help the vaquita survive in this dynamic and biodiverse environment: Camouflaged coloring: Vaquitas have a distinctive color pattern, with a dark gray…
Is the vaquita extinct?
The vaquita is not yet extinct but is considered critically endangered. With fewer than 20 individuals estimated to remain in the wild, the vaquita is the world’s most endangered marine…
What are the chances of seeing a vaquita in the wild?
With fewer than 20 individuals remaining, the prospect of encountering a vaquita in the wild has become a near-mythical experience. The chances of seeing a vaquita in its natural habitat…
What can I do to save the vaquita porpoise?
There are some very simple things you can do to support the vaquita conservation effort, ranging from just spreading the word to using your buying power when shopping for seafood.
What is killing the vaquita?
Vaquita face a singular, deadly threat that has pushed them to the brink: entanglement in fishing nets as bycatch. Bycatch refers to the accidental capture of non-target species in fishing…
What is the totoaba and how is it connected to the vaquita?
The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is a large, slow-growing fish found exclusively in the Sea of Cortez. Capable of reaching over six feet in length and weighing up to 220 pounds,…
Where does the vaquita live and what makes the habitat special?
The vaquita lives in a distinct and exceptional environment nestled within the northern Gulf of California, which is also known as the Sea of Cortez. This narrow body of water…