EndangeRed - Mexican Axolotl

The Mexican Axolotl resembles a slimy, squishy thing. Also known as the "water monster" and the Mexican walking fish", the axolotl held pride of place among the ancient Aztecs. Against all odds, it survived until now in Mexico city's polluted canals of Lake Xochimilco, now a tourist hotspot. Scientists are desperate to save this salamander from extinction its life endangered by the draining of its habitat and deteriorating water quality. To add to its woes, foreign fish introduced to the waters are eating baby axolotls stopping its expansion.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN) has included it in its annual Red List of threatened species. Some researchers estimate that it could disappear in a matter of five years. The disappearance of the axolotl, which is iconic of the Mexican culture, will prove to be disastrous. Its population has dropped from roughly 1,500 per square mile in 1998 to a mere 25 per square mile this year. Legend has it that Xolotl, the dog-headed Aztec god of death and lightning, feared he was about to be banished or killed by other gods and thus changed himself into an axolotl to flee into Lake Xochimilco. But it looks like he is not safe anymore.

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