The Vaquita


Our world is clearly changing by the second, but for the better or the worse, is your decision. Our actions today will forever change the history and future of Earth. Humans, in my opinion are the only species in this world that has the power to change the future of every other being. We are the most intelligent of all species, the most powerful animal, and the leader of change. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Most animals, plants, and living things, are dependent on humans. It is our job to protect each and every species, big or small, including this rare species here. The vaquita, a porpoise or relative of the dolphin, the most endangered species on this planet. It is estimated that by 2025 it may not exist, crashing other species' lives too. We can change that, but we'll need help.

Classification 
The name, vaquita translates to "Little cow," in Spanish and is also called the cochito.  The little cow's scientific name is Phocena Sinus which means "porpoise from the gulf of California". The vaquita is classified as a phocoenidae in the class of Mammalia. The harbour porpoise belongs to the cetacean family, which includes porpoises, whales and dolphins. It is the smallest porpoise in the world, as well as the smallest member of the cetacean family. The vaquita needs help now. 

Appearance
 A vaquita is a porpoise with a black dorsal fin, black pectoral fins and black tail fluke. From the black areas, it fades into a grey to a white. The little cow has a small body with a rounded head and no beak.  The vaquita has a white underside with a light grey top side. The vaquita has a black patch on its eyes. You may have noticed the vaquita has a black line near its mouth. Most people say the vaquita has lipstick on or the vaquita is smiling. 

Size
The vaquita is also known to be the smallest porpoise in the world. Vaquitas can grow from about 1.2m to 1.5m in length. Females are generally longer than males, though the males have bigger fins. They weigh approximately 43kg. The little animal may be tiny but worth heaps more. 

Habitat
The vaquita lives in the northern part of the gulf of Mexico, also known as the sea of Cortez. Most vaquitas live east of the town of San Felipe, Baja California, within a 1,519-square-mile area that is a little less than a quarter of the size of Los Angeles. The vaquita is specifically known for 

Predators and prey 
In the food chain, the killer whale and some types of large sharks eat the vaquita. The vaquita is one of the few animals that don't really have any main predators. The vaquita eats crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp etc), squid and small, bottom-dwelling fish. They are non-selective Feeders meaning they eat any type of that species. The vaquita uses echolocation like most other cetaceans to find its food. The vaquita sends out a high-pitched squeak in a direction. If there is something there the noise will bounce back to the vaquita. This tells the vaquita that there is something there. If the vaquita goes extinct all of the predators and prey will be at risk too. 

Lifespan
 A vaquita can live up to an estimated age of 21 years. The calf stays with its mother up till its 6 months old. The vaquita can have a baby at 3-6 years of age. When a vaquita is born it is about 76cm and 7.5kg. 

Why is it endangered?
The vaquita is endangered because of the the illegal practise of hunting a fish that lives in the same region. Fishermen fish illegally for the totoaba fish, a room mate with the vaquita. The totoaba is caught for the swim bladder which is thought to be a delicacy in China. Along with the totoaba, vaquitas are caught in the net and die everyday. Because of this unethical disturbance to the sea of Cortez, only few can stop them. 

The vaquita is known for it's scarcity in population, and is now a symbol of environmental sustainability. Many people are helping already, and together we can save the vaquita before it is too late. Remember everything counts. 



Comments

Post a Comment