Story
The Vaquita was first documented by science in 1958. The Vaquita is the smallest porpoise in the world. Females can grow to roughly 1.5 m (5'), males can grow up to 1.4 m (4.6'). The Vaquita can reach a weight of up to 55 kg (120 lb). The Vaquita lives in shallow lagoons along the shoreline. It is usually found in waters 10 - 28 m (33 - 92') deep within 25 km (16 mi) from shore, although it can survive in lagoons so shallow that its back protrudes above the water. Other characteristics of its habitat are strong tidal mixing and high productivity of the aquatic plant and animal communities. Females may become sexually mature at a length of approximately 1.3 m (4.4'). The gestation period is probably 10 - 11 months. Births are thought to occur generally around late March or early April. A female probably produces 1 calf annually. A Vaquita calf is weaned after several months. The maximum observed age is 21 years.
It appears that the Vaquita is a rather non-selective feeder on small fish and squid. Squid remains were also found in several stomach samples. The Vaquita appears to swim and feed in a leisurely manner, but it is elusive and will avoid boats of any kind. It rises to breathe with a slow, forward-rolling movement that barely disturbs the surface of the water, and then disappears quickly, often for a long time. It uses high-frequency clicks for echolocation. One report indicated that in 58 sightings, 91 % comprised from one to three individuals. The total estimated incidental mortality caused by one fishing fleet in the Gulf of California was 39 Vaquitas per year.
The Vaquita is seen singly or in small groups, usually from 1 - 3 individuals but as many as 8 – 10 have been documented. The Vaquita was considered abundant in the early 20th century. As of the early 1980's, the only recent records of its occurrence were from the northern part of the Gulf of California. Currently it has the most limited distribution of any marine cetacean. It is restricted to the north western corner of the Gulf of California. The Vaquita declined in conjunction with the intensification and modernization of commercial fisheries, starting in the 1940's. Currently, the fisheries aimed at a variety of species are intensive in the upper Gulf of California, and the incidental trapping and drowning of Vaquitas, particularly in gill and trawl nets, is their principal threat.
The main aim of this project is to prevent the extinction of the Vaquita through research projects to obtain further information about the Vaquita, its behaviour and habitat in order to inform and educate the public about the threats facing the Vaquita. Currently very little is known about the Vaquita therefore all figures and facts are estimated. Your donation goes towards the resources required for this to be possible and for further research to be completed. 100% OF ALL DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO THE PROJECT NO ADMINISTRATION COSTS OR COMMISION IS TAKEN BY AWF FROM DONATIONS MADE. AWF works with projects around the world to encourage conservation, education, research and awareness of the worlds wildlife and the declining numbers of the animals at the hands of humans. Through making a donation to one of the AWF projects you will be helping raise awareness and make a difference. To donate to a specific AWF project or to the AWF as a whole see the other justgiving pages for: *AWF - Humpback Whale *AWF - Orangutan *AWF - Black Rhino *AWF - Blue Whale *AWF - Elephant For further information on the projects and AWF also to sign the petition against the lifting the commercial whaling ban go to www.whalenation.org