Skeleton of the world’s rarest marine mammal preserved by digital imaging
Scientists have created a high-resolution digital reconstruction of the vaquita, the world's rarest marine mammal, to aid in conservation efforts. By making these 3D datasets open-access, researchers hope to study the species without disturbing the few remaining physical specimens.
Why it matters
Digital preservation provides a vital tool for studying critically endangered species teetering on the brink of extinction.
The digitised skeleton of a vaquita captured by advanced imaging techniques – between seven and 10 of the porpoises are left in the wild. Photograph: Jamie Knaub/Florida Atlantic University View image in fullscreen The digitised skeleton of a vaquita captured by advanced imaging techniques – between seven and 10 of the porpoises are left in the wild. Photograph: Jamie Knaub/Florida Atlantic University The age of extinction Porpoises Skeleton of the world’s rarest marine mammal preserved by digital imaging The reconstruction of the vaquita, whose numbers barely reach double figures in the wild, is designed to help research and conservation efforts
The report is a straightforward scientific news piece focused on conservation technology.
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