Vaquita, The Small Dolphin that Becomes the Rarest Animal in the World

"Vaquita Lumba-Lumba Kecil yang Jadi Hewan Paling Langka di Dunia" translates to "Vaquita, the Smallest Porpoise that Becomes the Rarest Animal in the World" in English.

There are millions of animals in the world, exploring the land and sea, and there are still many fascinating creatures being discovered. But did you know that there is one species of small dolphin that is struggling to survive? There are only a few of these animals left in the world and they are nearly extinct. Allow me to introduce the vaquita, the rarest animal in the world.

What is Vaquita?

is the smallest dolphin species and also the smallest marine mammal in the world. They have a maximum length of five feet, with females being larger than males. However, males have larger dorsal fins. Vaquitas have a round head with an indistinguishable beak. They also have a black ring around their eyes and black spots on their lips that later become lines towards their pectoral fins. Vaquitas are dark gray in color but have a lighter belly that is usually white-gray with light gray markings.

"Why are Vaquitas so rare?"

Currently, it is estimated that there are only ten vaquita left in the world. Amazingly, vaquita was only discovered in 1958, but at that time its population was not significant.

In 2007, it was estimated that there were about 150 vaquita, but in 2018 it drastically declined to only about 19 individuals. Vaquita is classified as a critically endangered animal, and currently there is a real risk that in a few years, these beautiful creatures will become completely extinct.

Vaquita, The Small Dolphin that Becomes the Rarest Animal in the World

However, why are they so rare? Let's look at some main factors below.

"Operation Fish Capture"

There are several reasons why vaquita is in a very dangerous position, but the biggest factor is caused by us - fishing activities. Fishing operations, both small-scale and commercial, are very active in the Gulf of California, and unfortunately, these small animals are often trapped in fishing nets, resulting in their death.

"Totoaba"

Totoaba is one of the most frequently caught fish in the vaquita region, even though they themselves are a vulnerable species. Vaquitas get trapped in the gillnets used to catch totoaba, and this is considered one of the main reasons for the rapid decline in the vaquita population.

"Catching and trading illegal totoaba, thanks to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, due to high demand in China, illegal totoaba fishing is rampant and continues to threaten the vaquita. However, the capture of other species of fish also plays a role."

"Low Reproduction Rate"

Other factors that threaten the vaquita are its low reproductive rate. Vaquitas reach sexual maturity at the age of 3-6 years old.

"Only Give Birth to 2 Children Every Year"

However, they only give birth to one offspring every two years. This means that they only reproduce very slowly, a fact that is further exacerbated by the very small number of breeding females.

"Pollution"

Other factors that affect vaquita, although to a much lesser extent, is pollution. Because vaquita live in relatively shallow waters near the coastline, their habitat is sometimes contaminated by substances such as pesticides that enter the water. Vaquita are also at risk of getting sick from ingesting these pollutants.

Can Something Be Done to Save Them?

is currently protected by CITES, and part of its habitat area is classified as "World Heritage Site in Danger." However, the only way to save the vaquita is by implementing a total ban on the use of gillnets in the Gulf of California.

Currently, gillnets are prohibited in areas known to be vaquita habitat, but environmentalists are urging for this ban to be expanded to their entire range and for stricter enforcement. Additionally, it is important to crack down on the illegal fishing of totoaba, not only by enforcing the ban, but also by stopping the illegal export of their meat.

Besides that, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) collaborates with various committees to create safe fishing practices for vaquitas. This includes finding alternative solutions to the use of gillnets. The success of these measures is still unknown, but we can hope that at least these steps will provide a chance for the survival of these beautiful dolphins.

Berita Unik

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