Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world's smallest and most endangered porpoise, is on the brink of extinction with fewer than 10 individuals remaining. Found only in Mexico's Gulf of California, this shy marine mammal faces near-certain extinction due to illegal gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is prized in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite conservation efforts, including fishing bans and protected habitats, enforcement remains weak. The vaquita's rapid decline highlights the devastating impact of human activity on marine ecosystems. Without immediate, drastic intervention, this species could vanish within years—becoming another tragic example of preventable extinction.