Several studies held in the Gulf of California protection area have revealed that the vaquita porpoise might not disappear from the area as previously expected.

Experts now estimate the gulf is home to up to 30 endemic mammals, a huge difference from the about nine porpoises counted months ago.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Wilderness Life Director Roberto Aviña recently told media outlets that the agency, along with US researchers, have been monitoring the vaquita porpoise.

According to experts, the vaquita can reproduce every couple years.

Aviña said the vaquita, which is under threat of extinction, cannot reproduce in captivity. The agency has no plans to do so.

Few years ago experts unsuccessfully tried to reproduce the vaquita in captivity, but the young mammal died.

Different from other marine mammals, the vaquita is especially affected by stress.

Last week, the Autonomous University of Baja California held an event in San Felipe in order to release thousands of fry of totoaba — another Gulf of California high-priced species under threat of extinction that is particularly sought in Asian markets.

Totoaba illegal fishing impacts vaquita as the fishing nets hold the mammals to death. Totoaba went from a threatened species to a vulnerable species.