During the 1970s and 1980s, scientists described the skeleton of
the Vaquita and measured various specimens stranded on the beaches
and recovered from the nets of local fishermen. The specimens that
were examined ranged from 70.3 to 150 cm in length. The data suggested
that females reach a maximum size of approximately 150 cm and the
males around 140 cm. The weights recorded ranged from 7.8 kg in
young Vaquita up to 55 kg in physically mature Vaquitas. This probably
represents the maximum weight of adult female Vaquitas. The Vaquita
is the smallest porpoise and the smallest of all cetaceans.
The number of spade-like teeth typical of porpoise is between 17
to 21 in the upper jaw and 17 to 20 in the lower jaw. The teeth
are useful in identifying stranded animals. Since often only a skull
is found on the beach, the shape and number of teeth are helpful
in determining which species the skull belongs to. The pectoral
fins of Phocoena sinus are longer and the dorsal fin taller in proportion
to the body length, than in other species of porpoise.
The pectoral fins of Phocoena sinus are longer and the dorsal fin
taller in proportion to the body length, than in other species of
porpoise.
The coloration of Vaquitas is unique. In adults, the dorsal surface
is dark gray, the sides are pale gray and the ventral surface is
white with some long, light gray markings. This porpoise has a large
dark ring around the eyes and dark patches on the lips that form
a thin line from the mouth to the pectoral fins. In the newborn,
the coloration is darker than in adults, particularly in the head
and in the areas behind the eyes. There is a wide gray fringe of
color that runs from the head to the dorsal flukes, passing through
the dorsal and pectoral fins.
Adult size:Females:
135-150 cm; males: 128-145 cm.
Size at birth:67-75 cm .
Adult weight: Approximately 55 kg.
Birth weight: 7.5-10 kg.
Reproduction: Probably in spring or summer.
Gestation: Probably 11 months
Nursing period: Probably 6 to 8 months.
Birth: Spring
Reproductive cycle: One calf every two years.
Diet: Squid, croakers, bairdiella corvineta.
Distribution: Only in the Northern region of the
Gulf of California.
Population size: Estimated around 600 individuals.
Natural mortality: Predation by sharks and killer
whales.
Mortality caused by humans: Fisheries by catch,
habitat modification.
Status: The most threatened marine cetacean in the
world, in imminent danger of extinction.
Conservation: Protection of the entire species,
protected areas, restriction of fishing activities. The
only way to avoid extinction of Vaquita by human causes
is through the joint efforts of fishermen, biologists, educators,
authorities, conservationists, researchers and local communities
in the upper Gulf of California.
Be a part of the virtual community of Vaquita Marina; choose your own
way to help.
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