World's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction

There are fears that world's smallest porpoise of Mexico is on the verge of extinction. The population of this bred of porpoises, called the vaquita marina, is an endangered species and its population has plummeted to an alarmingly low level. It appears to be heading toward extinction unless drastic measures are taken.
This has been reported in thehindu.com dated 14 May 2016.

Results of a survey by the country’s Environment Department reveals that, as of December, there were probably only about 60 of the shy, elusive creatures left in the upper Gulf of California and this is the only place where the vaquitas are found. These species are threatened primarily by gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish - this is another endangered species in the area hunted primarily for its swim bladder which is considered a delicacy in China.
The study was carried out by the ‘International Commission for the Recovery of the Vaquita’ - they used a team of boats and acoustic devices to detect their sonar-like squeaks or clicks. As one scientists, who participated in the study, said - it was like listening to a room full of people clapping, and then hearing less and less clapping as the population dwindled.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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