The Smallest Cetacean

Photo by Chris_huh
The Smallest Cetacean : Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)

A rare porpoise from the northern Gulf of California, the vaquita is the smallest species of cetacean in the world. This species has an extremely small population, with estimates at only 100-300 individuals. They weigh between 90 and 120 pounds and reach a length between 4 and 5 feet. The main cause of their drastically low population numbers is due to individuals being caught in gillnets intended for another species. The IUCN Red List categorizes them as Critically Endangered.

Mammal / Cetacean

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