Vaquita Conservation

The vaquita is one of the smallest cetaceans in the world that has an average of only 150 cm in length and 50 kg of weight. It is listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is an endemic species of Mexican waters that inhabits the Upper Gulf of California Biosphere Reserve. By 2015, its total population was of 97 specimens, but by 2016 it had lost 40% of its population.

The biggest mortality cause of the vaquita is accidental fishing with gillnets. Other possible threats are alterations and pollution of habitat.

Several conservation measures have been developed, and organizations such as the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA) have implemented strategies and actions to save it.

This text is inspired by the IUCN RED LIST