Axolotl : Campaign To Support Conservation
Mexican ecologists from the National Autonomous University have relaunched the “Adoptaxolotl” fundraising campaign to support the conservation of axolotls, an endangered fish-like salamander.
- Axolotl is a species of salamander. The name “axolotl” is derived from the Latin words “atl” (water) and “xolotl” (monster).
- Salamanders are a group of amphibians that includes frogs and toads.
- Found in Mexico City’s Lake Xochimilco
- IUCN Critically Endangered
- They have the ability to regenerate lost or damaged limbs, hearts, spinal cords, and even parts of their brains without permanent scarring. They remain underwater throughout their life
- Axolotls are a cultural icon in Mexico for their unique slimy appearance and limb-regenerating ability.
- Scientists believe that the regrowing power of Axolotls could hold the secret to tissue repair and even cancer recovery in the future.
- The Mexican Axolotl population has drastically declined by more than 99% in less than two decades.
- The primary contributors include Water pollution, the spread of Chytrid Fungus (a skin-eating disease), habitat loss, droughts, wastewater disposal, and the impacts of climate change.
