[Animals] There is an animal of which there are only ten left in the world

[#Wittels-]

Scientists estimate that there are about 600 living specimens and believe that their species can still be saved

The dark pigment around his eyes gives them a bovine look; hence, his colloquial name (Photo: Twitter)
In 1997, about 600 living specimens of vaquitas were estimated on the planet. Currently, it is estimated that only ten of these animals are alive in the Gulf of California (Mexico), the only place where one of these animals at the highest risk of extinction can still be observed naturally.

The fundamental cause of its extinction is none other than illegal fishing, an action that is slowly and progressively destroying the world's biodiversity. Fishing is a complex issue in the political, economic and social aspect since the Mexican government prohibits certain fishing gear such as gillnets in much of the Gulf of California itself, but it is impossible to supervise and enforce and comply with this rule.

Many fishermen go out to sea daily with illegal nets, which causes these cetaceans hooked on them to die and their species to walk directly to extinction. One of the solutions to this risk is to stop this practice.

The tiny vaquita porpoise is one of the most threatened species in the world. This chubby creature, just over a meter long, is the smallest of the cetaceans, a family that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.

 

It is endemic to the Gulf of California, Mexico and although no one knows for sure how many are currently alive, in 2018 there were less than 19 left (REUTERS)
The dark pigment around his eyes gives them a bovine look; hence, his colloquial name. It is endemic to the Gulf of California, Mexico and while no one knows for sure how many are currently alive, in 2018 there were fewer than 19. Unless deaths can be stopped, vaquitas will surely be extinct before 2022.

Shortly after scientists discovered the species in 1950, they realized that it was already in danger. Vaquitas were frequently sunk in driftnets destined for shrimp and totoabas, a fish whose swim bladder is a delicacy in China.

In 1975, Mexico banned the fishing of totoabas. But even so, this task continues to be easier, more lucrative, and less risky than the drug trade itself, that is why the totoaba fishing continues; and, therefore, also the death of vaquitas due to their bycatch.

 

Impoverished poachers, greedy cartels and corrupt officials continue to care far more about catching totoabas than about protecting vaquitas. The global and multifactorial fight against the extinction of species is a warning about the importance of comprehensively protecting little-known animals early in the face of emerging threats.

 

Link: https://www.infobae.com/america/perrosygatos/2021/12/18/hay-un-animal-del-que-solo-quedan-diez-en-el-mundo/