Vaquita

ocean · endangered · tiny · Mexico

Smallest cetacean ever. The vaquita is smaller than most dogs, reaching only about 5 feet long at most. It's the tiniest member of the whale and dolphin family in the entire world.

Lives in one small place. Vaquitas are only found in the Gulf of California near Baja California, Mexico. They've never lived anywhere else on Earth.

Caught in fishing nets. Most vaquitas die when they get tangled in gillnets meant for illegal totoaba fish. These nets trap the dolphins as they breathe, and they can't escape.

Almost gone forever. There are only a handful of vaquitas left in the world, making them critically endangered. Scientists worry they might disappear completely within the next few years.

Clicks and whistles. Like other porpoises, vaquitas use echolocation to find food and navigate the murky gulf waters by making clicking sounds.