Extremely rare species — with only 20 alive in the wild — seen off Mexico, video shows

Extremely rare sea creatures were recently spotted off the coast of Mexico, providing a glimmer of hope to conservationists.

The animals, vaquita porpoises — the world’s most endangered marine mammals — were seen swimming in the Gulf of California in May, according to a July 18 news release from Pronatura Noroeste, a wildlife nonprofit organization.

An aerial video released by the organization shows a pair of the porpoises swimming near the surface.

The video is the best recorded evidence of the species in its habitat to date, according to the nonprofit.

Capturing the porpoises on film is like finding a needle in a haystack, the organization said, and it requires specialized equipment, good weather and a trained eye.

The porpoises, which only live in the northern section of the gulf, have the narrowest range of any cetacean (a classification that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

There are less than 20 individuals remaining in the wild, according to the agency.

Distinguished by their rounded heads and black patches around their eyes, the animals measure about 5 feet long and can weigh up to 120 pounds.

They often live alone or in small groups and are considered shy, avoiding boats with engines, according to NOAA.

Although vaquitas are legally protected in Mexico, illegal fishing has caused a rapid decline in their population, according to Pronatura Noroeste.

Specifically, illegal fishing of totoaba, a large fish species that are similar in size to vaquitas, has contributed to their diminishment.

“Fishermen illegally catch totoaba for its swim bladder (an air-filled sac in the totoaba’s body that helps it float), which they sell to China at high prices,” according to NOAA.

Protanatura Noreste believes the best chance of protecting vaquitas relies on working with fishermen, so it has advocated for using sustainable fishing practices and increased income for those in the industry.

Other steps being taken to ensure the species’ survival include acoustic sea monitoring and habitat protection.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from Pronatura Noroeste.

This story was originally published July 25, 2024 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Extremely rare species — with only 20 alive in the wild — seen off Mexico, video shows."