by Bruce Taterka
The Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is a unique salamander that lives only in Xochimilco, Mexico, where we're
going for our Earthwatch expedition. The
Axolotl is a fascinating creature. It’s
one of the few salamanders that retains gills into adulthood, which gives it the
appearance of having a crown on its head. It can regenerate lost limbs, making it a favorite of medical researchers. The Aztecs associated it with the god, Xolotl,
and it’s is still a cultural icon in Mexico to this day.
Unfortunately, Axolotl habitat has been destroyed by land-use changes
and degraded by water pollution, competition from invasive species, hunting for
food, and collection for the aquarium trade.
Axolotls are classified as “critically endangered” on the IUCN red list
and are likely to go extinct in the wild within a few years unless at least
some of its remaining habitat can be restored and protected.
When we go to Mexico in a few weeks we’re going to help our researchers in their efforts to conserve the last remaining Axolotl habitat on
earth. We’ll help them conduct sampling
and assess the aquatic ecosystem in Xochimilco.
Their goal is to work with local farmers and the Xochimilco community to
develop an Axolotl restoration program that provides sufficient habitat for the
salamander and allows traditional agricultural activities to thrive at the same time. Our work will contribute to the ongoing effort
to conserve the Axolotl’s wetlands habitat and, hopefully, give this amazing
animal a chance to survive.
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| Statue of Xolotl in the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. |
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