The Vaquita Dolphin: On The Brink Of Extinction

Vaquita Dolphins

The vaquita dolphin is one of the world's most endangered animals.

They are so incredibly endangered, that you can count the number of vaquita dolphins that exist today in both your hands.

The beautiful vaquita dolphin is more endangered than the tiger, panda and gorilla. Today, vaquita dolphins are the world's most endangered marine mammal.

What Is The Conservation Status Of Vaquita Dolphins Today?

Vaquita Dolphin

The conservation status of a species includes conservation statuses like 'endangered' and 'critically endangered'.

These conservation status classification given to species, can help tell us how close animals and plants are to extinction, and help us to understand what the population of plant and animal species are.

In the case of the vaquita dolphin, they are in the conservation status which is the closest to extinction in the wild: vaquita dolphins are critically endangered. Therefore, the conservation status of vaquita dolphins is critically endangered today.

Vaquita Dolphin

Being a critically endangered species means that the vaquita dolphin is one step away from becoming extinct.

The other two conservation statuses after the critically endangered status are - 'extinct in the wild' or 'extinct'. When a species is extinct in the wild, they are not entirely extinct yet as there are some of the species in captivity.

There are no vaquita dolphins in the wild. Therefore, if the vaquita dolphin becomes extinct in the wild, they will become extinct entirely.

What Is The Vaquita Dolphin Population Today?

Sadly, the vaquita dolphin could soon become extinct in the wild. This is because their population is very low; so time is running out to save this beautiful animal from extinction.

The vaquita dolphin population today is 10 individuals.

We can now count the number of vaquita dolphins is left in existence with both our hands; which is sad.

The Decline Of The Vaquita Dolphin

The vaquita dolphin has been declining for decades now.

Vaquita Dolphin Swimming Near Fishing Boats

Their decline was first noticeable in the late 1970s when in 1978 the vaquita dolphin was given the conservation status of vulnerable. This means that in 1978, the vaquita dolphin was classified as a species vulnerable to extinction.

Their decline didn't stop there, as in 1990 the vaquita dolphin was classified as an endangered species. Within just a decade, the vaquita had become an endangered species.

The decline of the vaquita dolphin was so quick, that it only took them a few years to become a critically endangered species, as in 1996 the vaquita dolphin was classed as critically endangered.

The vaquita dolphin has been moving towards extinction for decades now.

What Threats Do Vaquita Dolphins face?

Vaquita dolphins have been pushed towards extinction because they are caught and drown in gillnets; these gillnets are used by illegal fishing boats. The concerning thing is that the waters where the vaquita dolphins are found and live are already protected waters.

Where Are Vaquita Dolphins Found?

The protected waters where vaquita dolphins are found is in the Mexico Gulf of California.

The Mexico Gulf of California is the only place that vaquita dolphins are found in the wild and found in the world - there is nowhere else in the world they are found.

What Is Their Ecosystem Like?

The ecosystem of the vaquita dolphin is a marine ecosystem.

These beautiful animals are usually found in shallow waters near the shore of the Gulf of California.

What Do Vaquita Dolphins Eat?

Vaquita dolphins eat a variety of different smaller marine animals.

They eat smaller marine animals like fish, squids and crustaceans.

What Is The Personality Of Vaquita Dolphins?

Vaquita dolphins are very shy animals, which adds to their charm and makes them cute.

They can also be solitary animals or found with other vaquita dolphins; such as being in pairs or groups with other vaquita dolphins.

What Is Their Breeding Season Like?

They will reproduce in April and May every year.

Once the female vaquita dolphin becomes pregnant in April or May, they will stay pregnant for 10 or 11 months before giving birth to their calf.

A female vaquita dolphin only gives birth to one calf after every pregnancy.

What Are The Vaquita Dolphin Names?

Baby vaquita dolphins are called a calf.

Female vaquita dolphins are called cows.

And, male vaquita dolphins are called bulls.

The scientific name of the vaquita dolphin is Phocoena sinus.

Interesting Facts About Vaquita Dolphins

The vaquita dolphin is the world's smallest Cetacean (Cetaceans are a group of animals that consist of dolphins, porpoises and whales).

Vaquita dolphins are also mammals.

Some More Information About The Vaquita Dolphin

Their class is called Mammalia.

Vaquita dolphins are mammals.

Their kingdom is called Animalia.

Vaquita dolphins are animals.

How To Help The Vaquita Dolphin

If you want to help these beautiful animals, then there is a few ways that you can help the vaquita dolphin.

You can help the vaquita dolphin by adopting a vaquita dolphin here!

Or, by adopting a vaquita dolphin here!