An endangered species is any species that is in danger of disappearing from planet earth. The causes that give rise to this situation can be either natural, such as the increase in predators, due to lack of resources, such as when the species faces situations of food shortage, or changes and modifications in its habitat. which they just can't cope with.
Unfortunately, the human being is also a determining factor in the extinction of species, having been the main responsible for the disappearance of many of them in the past and many others are in danger of extinction today, as is the case of the sea cow. You want to know why the vaquita is in danger of extinction? At Ecologist Verde we tell you all the details.
The vaquita marina: characteristics
These are the main characteristics of the vaquita marina, also known as sea cow or little pig:
- It is a cetacean or, in other words, a Marine Mammal that, due to its small size, belongs to the porpoise family, with only six species of porpoises in the world. Learn more about these types of animals with this other Green Ecologist article on What are marine mammals.
- Its size does not usually exceed 150cm length, while its weight varies around 50 kg, characterized by the morphology of its lips, which protrude from its head, and its fins, larger than that of other porpoises.
- Regarding its character and behavior, it is much more shy than that of other cetaceans, such as dolphins, so that they only rise to the surface to breathe, trying not to be seen. In addition, they are very unsocial animals, so they have a lonely lifestyle, although in some cases they can form small groups of 2 or 3 individuals.
- It is an endemic species of Mexico, which makes it the only porpoise that lives in hot waters, although at present it is only found in shallow lakes located along the entire coast of the Gulf of California. The cause of its limited distribution is none other than, the situation of danger of extinction in which it is found, so that, today, there are hardly any 30 specimens of this species, so it is logical that all of them are located in the same location.
Why the vaquita is in danger of extinction - main causes
These are the main causes about what why the vaquita is in danger of extinction:
Illegal and trawling fishing
The main reason why the vaquita porpoise is in danger of extinction is illegal fishing or carried out through devastating practices such as the use of trawl nets, in which the species is trapped. It should be noted that, surprisingly, it is not the fishing of the vaquita marina that has caused this situation, but the fishing of another species with which it shares habitat, the totoaba fish. This fish is of great interest in the Asian market due to the beliefs and properties attributed to it, so that the exploitation of its habitat has caused both species to be in danger of extinction.
Sea cow habitat contamination
The contamination of their habitat by the use of pesticides and fertilizers in nearby agricultural areas, or the variations in the water flow cause alterations in the availability of some resources, such as food or nutrients, necessary for the sea cow survival. In addition, we must take into account that the ecosystem in which it is found is very small, so any variation in the balance of the ecosystem could bring with it alterations and consequences of great importance.
Climate change
Climate change is also one of the causes that has driven this situation. Given the increase in water temperature or other changes in the characteristics of the ecosystem, most species are forced to migrate, something that is very likely to happen in the case of the vaquita porpoise, increasing, in turn, competition with other species.
Difficulties in the reproduction of the sea cow
On the other hand, as the number of species of the vaquita marina is reduced, it is also reduce the chances of contact between different sexes and mating, which influences the size of populations. If these do not reproduce, it is impossible for the number of individuals to increase or to recover.
Here you can consult more about different species of Animals in danger of extinction in Mexico, among which is the vaquita marina, but there are many more.
Measures to avoid the extinction of the vaquita porpoise
If this species continues to decline at the rate of recent years, it is most likely that it will soon be totally extinct. For prevent their disappearance a International Committee for the recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA) in order to implement a series of strategies and measures that ensure the recovery of the species.
These strategies consist of promoting the development and maintenance of the region of the Gulf of California, in which the species is located, as well as promoting the practice of sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing, which does not cause any damage or impact on the conservation of the species.
In the official image below you can see more information about the protective measures or actions to prevent the extinction of the vaquita porpoise.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why the vaquita porpoise is in danger of extinctionWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.
