The Pacific porpoise
- endemic species of the Gulf of California -
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The smallest cetacean
The porpoise family (Phocœnidae) has several subspecies: the harbour porpoise, the Pacific porpoise, the Phocoena, the finless porpoise, the dall porpoise. The most endangered species is the Pacific porpoise. It is on it that we will concentrate. The porpoise is a member of the cetacean family like the whale, the killer whale and the dolphin. It is the smallest. In Spain it is nicknamed the little cow because of the very dark outline of its eyes. This species can live in groups (2 to 8 individuals), in couples with their young, or alone. However today, the population of the latter is so reduced, that no more groups are observed. Originally the Marsoui lived in the Gulf of California and in Mexico. Today we find it in a small portion of the northern Gulf of California.
The causes of its population decline
DESTRUCTION OF ITS HABITAT
Its habitat is deteriorating due to overpopulation, pollution, climate change, human conflicts, human activity, ecosystem degradation etc. But the biggest cause of the loss of its habitat is the degradation of forests for human activities such as logging, land use.
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The fact of human
Man is the greatest predator of every species and every habitat. Through his influence, his activity, his over-consumption, poaching, deforestation, over-exploitation of biodiversity and natural resources, over-hunting… It destroys all biodiversity .
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The deadly nets
Even if they are not directly intended for them, these fishing nets were the main cause of the decline of the porpoise population. Each year, more than half of the remaining Pacific porpoises were killed by these nets. This fishery had been banned, yet it is still practiced illegally.
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The most endangered marine animal
It is the most endangered cetacean in the world. It is listed as one of the 100 most critically endangered species by the IUCN. In the wild, this species is practically extinct. Its survival depends on captivity centers that try to carry out breeding projects. However, these attempts have failed. There is not much hope left for the Pacific porpoise. Yet solutions must be found to allow it to live. According to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), there are only between 6 and 19 individuals left.
The reasons to save it
It is necessary to protect this species because there are only about ten individuals left. If actions are not carried out, this one will disappear in the next years.
The disappearance of a species breaks the ecological balance which causes a disruption of the ecosystem. It leads to the disappearance of other species and the destruction of habitat.
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Our actions
Nature Network Fund is working to preserve the Pacific porpoise in a variety of ways.
Action 1
To work for the conservation of this species with the entities that deal with its safeguard.
Action 2
Develop conservation measures to reduce the rate of leopard range loss and increase the population.
Action 3
To educate a wide audience, including schools, about environmental protection in the regions where the snow leopards live.
Action 4
Participate in conservation projects and possible reintroductions.
Action 5
Soutenir financièrement des actions de conservation sur le terrain.
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