Vanquita on the Brink: World’s smallest and gentlest porpoise nears extinction, by Fatima Ma’aji Muhammad
Story by Fatima Ma’aji MUHAMMAD (student at Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt)
Hidden in the shallow waters of the northern Gulf of California lives the vaquita, the world’s rarest marine mammal.
Small, shy, and rarely seen, this porpoise has become a powerful symbol of how human activity can drive a species toward extinction.
The vaquita, meaning “little cow” in Spanish, is the smallest cetacean, measuring just over five feet long.
It is easily recognised by the dark rings around its eyes and mouth and is sometimes mistaken for a dolphin though unlike dolphins, the vaquita avoids attention and prefers a quiet life beneath the surface.
READ ALSO: Angkor Wat: Where ancient monuments tell the story of Cambodia’s past, by Falmata Ma’aji Muhammad
Vaquitas are generalists, foraging on a variety of demersal fish species and squids; however, benthic fish, such as grunts and croakers, make up the majority of their diet.
Vaquita habitat is restricted to a small portion of the upper Gulf of California, making this the smallest range of any cetacean species. They live in shallow, turbid waters of less than 150 m (490 ft) depth.
Despite its gentle appearance, the species faces a serious threat from gillnets used in fishing. These nearly invisible nets trap vaquitas underwater, causing them to drown.
Illegal fishing for the totoaba fish has worsened the situation, bringing more gillnets into vaquita habitat. With fewer than a dozen believed to remain and a range limited to a small part of the Gulf, the species has little chance to escape danger.
Conservation efforts are ongoing. Gillnet bans, increased patrols, and safer fishing alternatives aim to protect the vaquita while supporting local communities. Saving the vaquita also means preserving the balance of the Gulf’s marine ecosystem.
READ ALSO: Chinese man sentenced to death by hanging for killing Nigerian girlfriend
The vaquita’s future now depends on human action. Whether it survives or disappears will reflect the choices made today.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
