vaquita

Everyday

A very small porpoise that lives only in the northern Gulf of California, in Mexico, and is the most endangered sea mammal in the world. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons the vaquita is an example of an animal close to extinction, with only about ten left, because it gets caught in fishing nets. Its name is Spanish for «little cow». It has dark rings around its eyes like a panda.

Examples

• The vaquita is the smallest porpoise in the world. tree →
• Only a few vaquitas are left in the wild. tree →
• Vaquitas get trapped in fishing nets by mistake. tree →
• A vaquita has dark rings around its eyes. tree →
• Scientists are trying to save the vaquita. tree →
• Vaquitas live only in one small part of the sea. tree →

Note

Say it «va-KEE-ta». It comes from Spanish. It is a porpoise, not a dolphin or a whale, though they are related.