Behavior:

Vaquitas are open water animals that spend their time in shallow waters under 50 meters deep. They are usually found 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the shore of the Gulf of California. (Vaquita Life History) They are very elusive mammals and will avoid boats, planes, and humans at all costs. Vaquitas spend their time swimming in a laid back manner and only come up for air when it is necessary. When they come up for air they make a forward rolling motion to avoid disturbing the surface (Richer). They have never been seen jumping, leaping or splashing in the water. In order to communicate, Vaquitas use high frequency clicks for echolocation. (Basic Facts) Vaquitas are often spotted swimming by themselves, but have been spotted in groups as big as 4 (Richer). Mother Vaquitas are often accompanied by their calf for 6-8 months.

 

Conservation:

The Vaquita is considered the world’s most endangered cetacean species. There are currently less than 200 left in the wild (Henry). Scientists estimate that there are only about 2 years left until the population declines to less than 100, based upon data demonstrating that the Vaquita population has fallen 70% in one decade (Brancho). When the population reaches this point, the species will be unable to make a comeback. Vaquitas are endangered for many reasons. One of the greatest dangers to the Vaquita is that they are accidentally caught as bycatch in drift and gill nets. They are also affected by the reduction in water flow into the Gulf of California, from the Colorado River, along with pesticide pollution (Vaquita Life History and Facts). Many different groups are attempting to save the Vaquita. The Vaquita’s biggest advocate is the Mexican government. The Mexican government has created several different programs over the years to protect the Vaquita. In 2005, after recommendation from the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, the Mexican government created a Vaquita Refuge. This refuge enclosed over 80% of all areas where Vaquita sightings had occurred. With help from the Mexican Environmental Law Enforcement Agency, the refuge has banned all gill nets and shrimp trawling. However, despite the creation of the refuge, Vaquitas were still killed by nets. In response, the Mexican Government created the Species Conservation Action Program (PACE) in 2007. The PACE Program helps enforce the existing bans on nets and works with fisherman to use alternative methods of fishing. This program also includes a buyout and provides assistance to fishermen who lost their job due to the bans by helping them start an alternative business. Other organizations that are trying to save the Vaquita include Save the Vaquita, World Wildlife Fund U.S., Save the Whales Foundation, and Viva Vaquita (Butner).

 

Ecology:

The Vaquita is usually solitary and discreet. They dislike boats and do not ride the bow waves of boats. Like other dolphins and porpoises, “Vaquitas rise to breath with slow, forward rolling movement that barely disturbs the sea surface before disappearing quickly, often for long periods. It has an indistinct blow, but makes a loud, sharp, puffing sound reminiscent of the harbor porpoise” (Vaquita.tv). They are usually seen travelling alone or in small groups of 1-3, but can travel in groups as large as 10 on occasion. The Vaquita uses sonar to communicate and navigate through its habitat. It feeds mainly on bony fish and squid which are found towards the bottom of the sea. They reach sexual maturity between the ages of three and six years and are approximately 1.3 meters (4.27 ft) in length. Their reproduction is seasonal; a single youth is born in March, after a gestation period of about 10-11 months. The interbirth period is estimated to be about two years. The maximum observed age of this species is 21 years old.

 

Habitat:

The Vaquita is only found in the Gulf of California, a tropical upwelling region (WWF). It is typically seen in water that is 11-50 meters (36-164 ft) deep, about 25 km (15.5 miles) away from the shoreline. The Vaquita lives in murky, open water over a silt and clay seafloor. This region has a high nutrient content that supports high diversity and productivity of aquatic organisms (NOAA).

 

Physical Description:

Although the Vaquita is the smallest living cetacean, its pectoral and dorsal fins are proportionally larger to its size than other porpoises. Adults can range from 30-55 kg (65-120 lb) in weight and 1.2-1.5 m (4-5 ft) in length. Females are usually larger than males. The coloration of newborns is darker than adults, specifically areas behind the eyes and the head. Adults have a darker gray dorsal surface, sides that are pale gray, and an underside that is white with light gray markings. They have dark rings around their eyes and dark lip pigments that contrast sharply with the rest of their body (WWF). Porpoises differ from dolphins by their flattened teeth, smaller size, and lack of a long snout. It has developed numerous adaptations to survive. For instance, the porpoise has a thick layer of blubber, as well as circulatory system adjustments, that allow them to survive in the cold water. This specialized circulatory system allows the vaquita to dive deep by slowing their heat rate, minimizing their use of oxygen, and concentrating blood. The skeleton structure is flexible to prevent their lungs from collapsing. Also, like dolphins and whales, porpoises are air breathing and warm blooded. Lastly, they make numerous sounds that allow them to communication with each other, locate prey, and avoid obstacles.

 

Dispersal:

Vaquitas occupy the waters of the northern Gulf Coast, in relatively shallow areas. They only occupy a 2,235 km2 area, the smallest geographic range of marine mammals. They are not particularly sociable creatures and tend to be solitary, unless tending to a calf; although, they can travel in small groups of around four. Although there is limited behavioral information known about the Vaquita, especially regarding dispersal patterns, the current consensus is that Vaquita occupy the same general area for their entire lives. They are not migratory creatures and tend to stay in the uppermost northern Gulf Coast, even while breeding. Because Vaquita are extremely elusive creatures, they stay clear of boats, making it difficult for scientists to collect data (“About the Vaquita”).

 

Life Expectancy/Reproduction:

  The life expectancy for a Vaquita is around twenty years; the oldest known Vaquita lived to be twenty-one. Females are generally larger than males, both reaching maturity between three and six years. Because of the small population size, competition amongst males for females is believed to be vital to the reproductive strategy of the porpoise. Calves are born about every two years in the spring or summer months due to seasonal breeding. The gestation period is between ten and eleven months. After the calf is born, the mother nurses her young for less than a year, specifically around six to eight months. The long gestation period, combined with a full year break in between having calves, is a significant reason the Vaquita is in danger (“Vaquita: Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise”). Because a Vaquita has never lived in captivity, little is known about the species’ life cycle. Estimates of data have been made based on stranded, injured, sighted, or dead porpoises. Scientists have also attempted to use other species of porpoises to understand the life cycle of the Vaquita. Unfortunately, their elusive nature and small population size has made it exponentially difficult to gather sufficient and accurate data on Vaquitas (WFF).