The vaquita – the world’s smallest sea mammal – is on the brink of extinction. And some experts believe there may be less than two dozen left.

Since 1996, the tiny vaquita with its darkly-ringed eyes has been on the endangered species list. Poachers are its greatest threat and largely responsible for its near demise.

A group of environmentalists, from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, has set out on a mission to save the vaquita. But now the environmentalists have become targets too.

Correspondent Franc Contreras travelled with them on the Sea of Cortez to report on this tangled tale.

Vaquitas grow up to one-and-a half meters and weigh less than 100 pounds.