‘Adopt an axolotl’ campaign launches in Mexico to save iconic species from pollution and trout

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The “Adoptaxolotl” campaign has been relaunched in Mexico by ecologists from the National Autonomous University. This campaign aims to raise funds to support the conservation of axolotls, an endangered species of salamander with a unique fish-like appearance. The iconic axolotl population has suffered a staggering decline of 99.5% in their main habitat in less than two decades, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

The “Adoptaxolotl” campaign invites individuals to virtually adopt one of these small “water monsters” for as little as 600 pesos (approximately $35). Virtual adoption includes receiving live updates on the health of your adopted axolotl. Donors can also contribute by purchasing a virtual dinner for one of these creatures.

Last year’s campaign successfully raised over 450,000 pesos ($26,300), which supported initiatives such as an experimental captive breeding program and habitat restoration in the ancient Aztec canals of Xochimilco, a southern borough of Mexico City.

However, despite these efforts, there remains a significant shortage of resources for comprehensive research. Ecologist Alejandro Calzada, who is leading research on lesser-known axolotl species for the government’s environment department, expressed concern about the lack of monitoring for streams not only in Mexico City but also across the entire country.

The challenges facing axolotls are multifaceted. They are threatened by water pollution, a deadly amphibian fungus, and the presence of non-native rainbow trout. Once, there were approximately 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer in Mexico, but now there are only 36, according to the latest census conducted by the National Autonomous University. An international study found fewer than a thousand Mexican axolotls remaining in the wild.

Luis Zambrano González, a scientist from the university, hopes to initiate a new census in March to assess the current situation more accurately. He emphasized the urgency of addressing pollution and other threats to the axolotls in Xochimilco.

The lack of data regarding the number and distribution of different axolotl species in Mexico complicates conservation efforts and resource allocation. Urgent action is required to prevent further decline and potential extinction of these unique creatures.

Axolotls have become cultural icons in Mexico due to their distinctive appearance and remarkable ability to regenerate limbs. Scientists believe that studying their regenerative abilities could hold the key to advancements in tissue repair and cancer recovery.

Conservation efforts have predominantly focused on the Mexican axolotl found in Xochimilco, but other species can be found throughout the country, from small streams in the valley of Mexico to the northern Sonora desert.

Urbanization in Mexico City has led to deteriorating water quality in canals, while rainbow trout from fish farms can outcompete axolotls and consume their food in nearby lakes. Additionally, the spread of chytrid fungus, a skin-eating disease, poses a significant threat to axolotls.

While academic researchers rely on donations and volunteer support, it is concerning that the Mexican government has recently approved an 11% funding cut for its environment department. This reduction in funding comes at a time when conservation efforts are critical, and it underscores the challenges faced in safeguarding these remarkable creatures.

In summary, the “Adoptaxolotl” campaign seeks to address the dire situation facing axolotls in Mexico, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect this iconic and endangered species from pollution, habitat loss, and other threats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Axolotl Conservation

More about Axolotl Conservation

• National Autonomous University of Mexico (Official website of the university involved in the campaign)
• Adoptaxolotl Campaign (Link to the campaign’s official website, if available)
• Xochimilco (Information about Xochimilco, the region where conservation efforts are taking place)
• Chytrid Fungus (Information about the amphibian skin-eating disease)
• Mexico’s 2024 Budget Analysis (Analysis of Mexico’s budget with information on funding for the environment department)
• Climate and Environment Coverage (Access to climate and environment news and updates)