Question 1

True or false: Vaquitas can be found as far south as the coast of Peru.

Accepted Answer

False. False, vaquitas are endemic only to the northern Gulf of California, nowhere else in the world.

Question 2

True or false: Vaquitas are found exclusively in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Accepted Answer

True. True, they live only in the northern Gulf of California, a tiny range that contributes to their vulnerability.

Question 3

True or false: Vaquitas have distinct dark rings around their eyes and dark patches on their lips.

Accepted Answer

True. True, these markings make them look like they're wearing mascara and lipstick, a unique appearance.

Question 4

True or false: The vaquita's main threat is pollution from agricultural runoff.

Accepted Answer

False. False, their primary threat is accidental entanglement in gillnets used to catch totoaba fish.

Question 5

True or false: The vaquita porpoise is the world's smallest cetacean species.

Accepted Answer

True. True, vaquitas are the smallest porpoises, reaching only about 5 feet long and weighing up to 120 pounds.

Question 6

True or false: There are fewer than 10 vaquitas left in the wild as of 2024.

Accepted Answer

True. True, recent estimates suggest fewer than 10 individuals survive, making them critically endangered.

Question 7

True or false: Vaquitas have a lifespan of over 50 years in the wild.

Accepted Answer

False. False, vaquitas likely live only around 20 years, similar to other small porpoises.

Question 8

True or false: Vaquitas are known to leap completely out of the water like dolphins.

Accepted Answer

False. False, vaquitas are shy and rarely breach; they usually swim quietly near the surface.

Vaquita Porpoise Trivia Questions