“With only 36 axolotls left in the wild, a desperate race to save Mexico’s extraordinary amphibian begins”
The axolotl, a global symbol of biodiversity and a fascinating subject for science, is on the brink of extinction in its natural habitat of Xochimilco. Mexican researchers are embarking on a desperate search to determine if any of these unique creatures are still alive.
### A search between nets and DNA
In Xochimilco, ancient fishermen like Basilio RodrÃguez cast their nets at dawn in hopes of finding the mythical axolotl. While they often find carp and tilapias, researchers turn to environmental DNA analysis to confirm the presence of the axolotl in the waters, even when it remains elusive.
### A superpower that fascinates science
The axolotl’s ability to maintain larval traits throughout its life, known as neoteny, sets it apart. This remarkable quality allows it to regenerate limbs, parts of the heart, and even fragments of the brain. While it is a crucial subject for scientific research worldwide, the axolotl faces a decline in its wild population.
### Multiple threats in Xochimilco
Various factors, such as invasive species, urbanization, pollution, and mass tourism, have contributed to the decline of the axolotl population in Xochimilco. From 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer in 1998 to only 100 in 2008, the species is now at risk of extinction.
The efforts to save the axolotl involve creating refuges in collaboration with local chinamperos, who cultivate on artificial islands. These protected areas will aid in the reintroduction of captive-bred axolotls with similar genetics to those in the wild, financed by the “Adopt an Axolotl” campaign.
The axolotl’s survival is not only crucial for science and biodiversity but also for Mexico’s cultural heritage. The battle to save this extraordinary animal requires political support, investment, and community involvement. If unsuccessful, the axolotl may only exist in laboratories and aquariums, losing its connection to the waters of Xochimilco and disappearing from the planet forever.
