Vaquita

This small dolphin is only found in the northern Gulf of California, and one of the reasons you may have never heard of it is that it is the world’s rarest marine animal, with only 10 remaining. 

With such a small population, this species may go extinct in your lifetime. Because of illegal or inappropriate fishing techniques, these creatures frequently become entangled and perish in fishing nets. A significant portion of the conservation effort focuses on steadily reducing harmful fishing methods.

This tiny porpoise wasn’t identified until 1958, and it’s on the verge of extinction now, less than half a century later.