Etks

Etks are a group of marine mammals belonging to the family Phocoenidae, commonly known as porpoises. These small cetaceans are closely related to dolphins and whales but are generally smaller in size and have more robust body shapes. The term "etk" is primarily used in scientific contexts to refer to various species within this family.

These marine animals are characterized by their blunt snouts, which distinguish them from the more pointed beaks of dolphins. They typically range in length from 4 to 8 feet, depending on the species, and weigh between 100 to 200 pounds. Their bodies are streamlined for efficient swimming, with dorsal fins positioned toward the rear of their backs.

Etks inhabit coastal and offshore waters in temperate and cold regions across the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly found in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Arctic oceans. These mammals prefer shallow waters near continental shelves, estuaries, and bays where food sources are abundant. Some species are known to migrate seasonally, following prey populations and favorable water temperatures.

Their diet consists primarily of small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Etks are skilled hunters that use echolocation to navigate and locate prey in murky waters. They typically hunt in small groups or individually, depending on food availability and environmental conditions.

Reproduction in etks involves females giving birth to single calves after gestation periods lasting 10-12 months. Calves are nursed for several months before becoming independent. These animals can live 15-25 years in the wild, though lifespan varies by species.

Several etk species face conservation challenges due to habitat degradation, pollution, fishing net entanglement, and climate change. The vaquita, a critically endangered species found in Mexico's Gulf of California, represents one of the most urgent conservation priorities, with fewer than 30 individuals remaining in the wild.