The Vaquita

The Vaquita is the smallest of the porpoise family and is currently the most endangered animal in the world. It is native to the northern end of the Gulf of California, in Baja California, Mexico.

"Vaquita" is Spanish for "little cow".

The Vaquita was first discovered in 1958, by zoologist Kenneth S. Norris. The Vaquita is the smallest living species of cetacean, it has a small body with an unusually tall, triangular dorsal fin, a rounded head, and no distinguished beak.

Because the Vaquita was only fully described in late 1980’s, population abundance beyond then is unknown. The first investigation of their population count was in 1997, with an estimated population of 567. This was researched again in 2018, coming out with an estimated population of less than 19 individuals. As of February 2022, there is an estimated population of less than 10 individuals.

Vaquitas are generally seen alone or in pairs, often with a calf, but have been observed in small groups of up to 10 individuals. Little is known about the life history of these species. They are believed to live up to 20 years of age.