Vaquita

The vaquita (*Phocoena sinus*) is a small porpoise and the world’s smallest cetacean.

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise and the world’s smallest cetacean. It is endemic to the shallow northern Gulf of California in Mexico and is classified as critically endangered. The species is most threatened by bycatch in fishing gear, especially gillnets, and its population remains extremely small.

Taxonomy and status

Vaquitas are porpoises in the family Phocoenidae and the only species in the genus Phocoena restricted to the Gulf of California. They are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN and are among the rarest marine mammals in the world.

Habitat and range

Vaquitas live only in shallow, murky coastal waters in the northern Gulf of California off Mexico. Their range is extremely small compared with most cetaceans, which makes them especially vulnerable to local threats.

Physical characteristics

Vaquitas are small, stocky porpoises with a rounded head, no beak, dark rings around the eyes, dark lip patches, and a relatively tall dorsal fin. They are gray above and paler below, with calves typically darker than adults.

Conservation threats

The main threat is accidental entanglement in fishing gear, particularly gillnets used in fisheries in the Gulf of California. Other pressures mentioned by sources include pollution and broader habitat or food-web changes.

Conservation efforts

Protection efforts focus on removing gillnets from vaquita habitat, enforcing fishing restrictions, and promoting alternative fishing methods. Conservation groups and scientists continue to monitor the species, but recovery depends on eliminating bycatch mortality.