Vaquita Porpoise

Why in news?

• According to the United States Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), Vaquita Porpoise is nearing extinction and immediate measures are needed to save the remaining population.

About Vaquita Porpoise:

• Porpoises are among the smallest members of the cetacean family (whales, porpoises and dolphins).
• They are only distant relatives of dolphins.
• There are only seven species of porpoise, the most popular being the widely distributed harbour porpoise.

Habitat:

• Found only in the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) in Mexico. Most commonly seen in shallow waters up to 50 meters deep.

Conservation status:

• IUCN Red List:
  • Critically Endangered
• CITES:
  • Appendix I

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Vaquita Porpoise, recently seen in news, is:

(a) A species facing threat of extinction

(b) A plant based textile fibre

(c) A pathogen that causes deadly disease

(d) A valuable mineral

Answer