[Animals] Regeneration and survival: this is how axolotls live in the last ribbed habitat in Mexico

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A Mexica legend talks about how the god Xólotl gave rise to the axolotl, one of the most representative animals of Mexican culture
Mexican biodiversity has many faces, but few as iconic as that of the axolotl. This amphibian, endemic to the Valley of Mexico, has become a national symbol. Its representation is that of regeneration and survival in a habitat that has suffered from inclement weather for centuries.

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanu), which is also known as the "water monster", is an amphibian belonging to the salamander species. It is distinguished by conserving its larval features during its adult life, a condition called neoteny. In other words, this little animal keeps its tadpole-like dorsal fin throughout its life.

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This endemic amphibian also has a unique regeneration system. It has been seen that, beyond reconstructing parts of its body, the axolotl can heal wounds in its heart without leaving scars, thus achieving a completely healthy organ.

The legend of Xolotl
Legend has it that Xolotl, brother of Quetzalcoatl, wanted to avoid being sacrificed at any price. For this reason, this god, of fire and lightning, was transformed into corn and then into maguey to avoid being discovered. Despite this, these attempts were not enough to go unnoticed, so he decided to take refuge in the water and that's when he took the form of the axolotl.

“WHEN QUETZALCÓATL FOUND XÓLOTL, HE RECALLED AND SAID TO HIM: SINCE YOU REFUSED TO DIE SACRIFICED TO GIVE LIFE TO ANOTHER ELEMENT, YOU WILL REMAIN HERE ALL YOUR LIFE, BUT THE DAY THAT YOUR ELEMENT, WATER, IS NO LONGER GOOD, YOU WILL DISAPPEAR FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH TOGETHER WITH THE HUMAN RACE,” DIONISIO ESLAVA SANDOVAL, PRESIDENT OF THE UMBRAL AXOCHIATL ORGANIZATION, TELLS MONGABAY LATAM

a threatened habitat
Axolotls once po[CENSORED]ted most of the lacustrine area of the Valley of Mexico. Today things are very different; their habitat is limited exclusively to the channels of Xochimilco, where, in addition, they only inhabit a space of 10 square kilometers. This notable reduction of its place is the product of multiple alterations to its ecosystem.

“IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO KNOW THE EXACT NUMBER OF WHICH REMAIN BECAUSE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO COUNT, ALTHOUGH THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THEIR PO[CENSORED]TION DECREASES EVERY YEAR. AT THIS TIME THE SPECIES DOES NOT HAVE THE VITALITY OR THE NUMBER TO CONSIDER IT OUT OF DANGER,” QUINTERO, SUB-COORDINATOR OF PRIORITY SPECIES OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF BIODIVERSITY (CONABIO) OF MEXICO, EXPLAINS TO MONGABAY LATAMESTHER.

This problem has been translated into an extinction crisis for the species that is increasingly threatened. According to the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this amphibian is in serious trouble of being able to disappear.

The axolotl and the risks for its conservation
One of the determining factors that have affected the preservation of the axolotl are invasive species. That is to say: animals that did not originally belong to this space but were introduced by human beings for specific purposes. An example of this is the case of the carp and tilapia that were brought to this place in order to develop aquaculture projects.

ANOTHER THREAT IS REPRESENTED BY HUMAN ACTIVITY, WHICH HAS BEEN REFLECTED IN NOTORIOUS WATER POLLUTION. AS IF THAT WERE NOT LITTLE, THE NUMEROUS TOURISM THAT FREQUENTS THIS AREA OF THE CITY DOES NOT TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE CARE OF THE HABITAT OF THIS AMPHIBIAN.

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Fortunately, there are several projects in charge of preserving the axolotl. A notable action along these lines is that which scientists and farmers have taken to create chinampas that help filter contaminated water. On the other hand, there are tourist initiatives that seek to raise money for the conservation of this endemic species of the Xochimilco canals.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/ajolote-anfibio-endemico-valle-de-mexico/