The world's smallest porpoise known as the Vaquita Marina is on the brink of extinction, as it is also the rarest species of porpoise in the world.

In the latest alarming report from scientists of the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA), there are only 60 Vaquita individuals left in the wild. According to CIRVA chairman, Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho in a statement, we are now monitoring this precious native species before it disappears from the face of the planet.

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Also known as "little cow" this marine species is endemic to the upper Gulf of California, measuring  a maximum of 1.5 meters in length, that is similar to dolphins in appearance, minus the longer snout.

The tiny Vaquita is now under extreme threat and could risk total extinction, as during the past two years, the porpoise population dropped to a massive 40 percent due to illegal gillnet fishing.

This occurs when nets are fixed and set up around the region to catch another endangered species known as the Totoaba, as its swim bladder is treated as a rare and expensive delicacy in Asia. The nets encapture the Vaquita by mistake, where they get caught and drown in the process. 

There have been major conservation efforts being carried out by the government and environmental organizations, where millions of dollars are being alotted for navy security and protection in the Gulf region in April 2015 to enforce a strict ban on gillnets. Sufficient compensation and livelihood programs were provided for the local fishermen affected, unfortunately, all efforts were not proven successful. 

Now, environmental agencies all over the world are now calling for help and immediate action. According to World Wildlife Fund's Mexico's CEO, Omar Vidal, even despite all our best efforts, we are losing this battle to halt the illegal Totoaba fishing, and ultimately save the Vaquita. He urges, we can still save the Vaquita, however this is our last chance to do so.

If this critically endangered porpoise species becomes extinct, this will mark as the fifth species of marine mammals to disappear this century.

Tagsendangered species, vaquita porpoise, marine mammals, porpoise, gulf of california