Vaquita do have some natural predators in the wild. They include large marine species such as sharks and killer whales (orcas). Sharks found in the Gulf of California, such as the great white shark and the hammerhead shark, have been known to prey on small cetaceans like the vaquita. Similarly, orcas are known for their diverse diet, which includes various marine mammals. Although direct observations of predation on vaquitas are scarce, it is reasonable to assume that these apex predators would consider vaquitas as potential prey.
However, it is essential to emphasize that the primary threat to the vaquita’s survival is human activity, specifically bycatch in fishing gear, rather than predation by sharks or orcas. The conservation efforts to save the vaquita are therefore mainly focused on addressing the issue of bycatch, along with preserving their habitat and promoting sustainable fishing practices in the region.