The vaquita is the world's rarest sea mammal and one of the most endangered animals in the world. Their name means 'little cow' in Spanish, and they are a unique species of porpoise, with a small, chunky body and a round head.
Vaquita is a critically endangered species of porpoise that is found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, in Mexico. It is the smallest and rarest species of porpoise, with a maximum length of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a weight of around 120 pounds (55 kg).
The vaquita population has been declining at an alarming rate due to entanglement in fishing nets, particularly those used for illegal fishing of the totoaba fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is a highly prized delicacy in China, where it is believed to have medicinal properties, leading to a lucrative black market for this species.
Efforts to protect the vaquita have been ongoing for several years, with measures such as fishing bans, alternative fishing gear, and increased enforcement. However, the population continues to decline, and as of 2021, it is estimated that only around 10 individuals remain in the wild. Conservationists and researchers are working to save the vaquita from extinction, but the situation remains critical.
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Answer:
The vaquita is the world's rarest sea mammal and one of the most endangered animals in the world. Their name means 'little cow' in Spanish, and they are a unique species of porpoise, with a small, chunky body and a round head.
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Vaquita is a critically endangered species of porpoise that is found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California, in Mexico. It is the smallest and rarest species of porpoise, with a maximum length of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a weight of around 120 pounds (55 kg).
The vaquita population has been declining at an alarming rate due to entanglement in fishing nets, particularly those used for illegal fishing of the totoaba fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is a highly prized delicacy in China, where it is believed to have medicinal properties, leading to a lucrative black market for this species.
Efforts to protect the vaquita have been ongoing for several years, with measures such as fishing bans, alternative fishing gear, and increased enforcement. However, the population continues to decline, and as of 2021, it is estimated that only around 10 individuals remain in the wild. Conservationists and researchers are working to save the vaquita from extinction, but the situation remains critical.
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