Week 7: Vaquita
Also known as:
Cochito, Gulf of California Harbor Porpoise, Gulf of California Porpoise, Gulf Porpoise, Hafenschweinswal, Marsouin du Golfe de Californie, Vaquito
Previous weeks:
Week 1 - Pygmy Mouse Lemur
Week 2 - Hispaniolan Solenodon
Week 3: Andean Mountain Cat
Week 4: Przewalski's Horse
Week 5: Puerto Rican Amazon
Week 6: Kakapo
Next weeks:
About
Habitat
In the past, these small porpoises lived throughout the Gulf of California. As their numbers declined, their area shrank to include only the North West section of the Gulf, specifically in shallow lagoons. It has the most limited distribution of all cetaceans. Between 1970 to 2004, they went from vulnerable to Critically endangered. Estimates of population range from 250 to 600 individuals.
Behavior
The Vaquita moves in a leisurely manner, but is very shy and can hide itself quickly if feeling threatened. Their method of breathing barely disturbs the water's surface as they lift for air.
They can travel either alone or in small groups, though pods of up to ten have been observed.
They use high frequency clicks for echolocation navigation.
Diet
These porpoises do not seem to be picky eaters and will eat many of the fish, crabs, and squid that inhabit the shallow lagoons they live in.
Fun Facts:
The Vaquita is the smallest and most endangered of the cetaceans.
It is one of the world's rarest mammals.
The oldest observed Vaquita lived to be 21.
'Vaquita' means 'little cow' in Spanish.
They are the only porpoise to live in such warm waters.
Dangers to Survival:
The main threat to these animals is the heavy fishing done in their distribution area, though not because of the reduction of food, but rather because they can easily get caught in nets, drowning them. It is thought that around 30 Vaquitas are killed each year due to such dangers.
Threats from the damming of the Colorado river are also a risk as the reduction of freshwater input changes the ecology of their habitat.
Further Reading/Sources of Information:
Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise: Vaquita Conservation
Animal Info
Defenders of Wildlife
WWF *
Side Notes: Hooray, finally a new one~ 8D Gonna go back over when I have more time to elaborate on the drawing. There's no fancy water highlighting or anything and it's bothering me. 8P
* The WWF is probably the best and most reputable resource for information on these (or any other) animals. They're a leader in wildlife conservation. If any of my info contradicts them, go with their info. My two or so hours of reading are nowhere near as good as their experts' information.
Also known as:
Cochito, Gulf of California Harbor Porpoise, Gulf of California Porpoise, Gulf Porpoise, Hafenschweinswal, Marsouin du Golfe de Californie, Vaquito
Previous weeks:
Week 1 - Pygmy Mouse Lemur
Week 2 - Hispaniolan Solenodon
Week 3: Andean Mountain Cat
Week 4: Przewalski's Horse
Week 5: Puerto Rican Amazon
Week 6: Kakapo
Next weeks:
What is Endangered Species of the Week?
Well, as some may know I'm very much an animal lover. I figured this would be a fun way for me to promote knowledge of different endangered species with both information and some visual fun. :3
Every week, on Sunday, I'll post up a new oekaki featuring a species listed on the endangered list along with some fun facts and links to more info about the species.
You're free to use any images from this series anywhere you wish as long as it's not negative in any way and you credit me. :3
You are also free to suggest next week's species.
(I'm pretty bad at being perfectly consistent though so it may not be exactly one week or on Sunday, though I'll try to be better about this.)
About
Habitat
In the past, these small porpoises lived throughout the Gulf of California. As their numbers declined, their area shrank to include only the North West section of the Gulf, specifically in shallow lagoons. It has the most limited distribution of all cetaceans. Between 1970 to 2004, they went from vulnerable to Critically endangered. Estimates of population range from 250 to 600 individuals.
Behavior
The Vaquita moves in a leisurely manner, but is very shy and can hide itself quickly if feeling threatened. Their method of breathing barely disturbs the water's surface as they lift for air.
They can travel either alone or in small groups, though pods of up to ten have been observed.
They use high frequency clicks for echolocation navigation.
Diet
These porpoises do not seem to be picky eaters and will eat many of the fish, crabs, and squid that inhabit the shallow lagoons they live in.
Fun Facts:
The Vaquita is the smallest and most endangered of the cetaceans.
It is one of the world's rarest mammals.
The oldest observed Vaquita lived to be 21.
'Vaquita' means 'little cow' in Spanish.
They are the only porpoise to live in such warm waters.
Dangers to Survival:
The main threat to these animals is the heavy fishing done in their distribution area, though not because of the reduction of food, but rather because they can easily get caught in nets, drowning them. It is thought that around 30 Vaquitas are killed each year due to such dangers.
Threats from the damming of the Colorado river are also a risk as the reduction of freshwater input changes the ecology of their habitat.
Further Reading/Sources of Information:
Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise: Vaquita Conservation
Animal Info
Defenders of Wildlife
WWF *
Side Notes: Hooray, finally a new one~ 8D Gonna go back over when I have more time to elaborate on the drawing. There's no fancy water highlighting or anything and it's bothering me. 8P
* The WWF is probably the best and most reputable resource for information on these (or any other) animals. They're a leader in wildlife conservation. If any of my info contradicts them, go with their info. My two or so hours of reading are nowhere near as good as their experts' information.
