The axolotl is a fascinating species of aquatic salamander that is endemic to Lake Tenochtitlan in Mexico. Although they’re better known for being the inspiration for a popular pokemon, axolotls have long been important to stem cell research, thanks to their unusual ability to regrow many different body parts, including limbs, spinal cord and skin. Aside from their regenerative capacities, axolotls are well-known for being neotenic, meaning that they retain juvenile characteristic even once they have reached sexual maturity.
Yet despite their uniqueness and valuable contributions to the scientific community, axolotls have suffered at the hands of modernization. With the modernization and industrialization of nearby Mexico City, the lake that they call home has transformed into narrow and polluted canals. This severe habitat loss, coupled with damage caused by invasive species, means that axolotls are almost exclusively bred in laboratories, and very few still live in the wild.
Despite efforts by the Mexican government to preserve axolotl’s territory, problems persist. Mexico City is a densely populated and expanding city with huge demands for water. But local people have begun to voice their concern. They see axolotls as essential parts of their culture and tradition.
Recently, scientists have been working to revitalize the axolotl’s native ecosystem by bringing back the ancient technique of farming on chinampas, floating islands which create good habitats at their bases. Yet many worry whether this will be enough. After all, most farmers are not planning on reverting to ancient methods when agrochemicals are available.
The axolotl represents a classic case of an animal that is directly affected by human actions. With numbers dwindling, more drastic and strict measures ought to be taken to ensure their survival. Some of these legal and agricultural solutions will help mitigate the effects of urbanization, but they won’t eliminate them. For local government, conservation comes at a cost to a city with an ever-increasing population. They’ll need to make sacrifices if they want to save the axolotl, especially considering its potential for the scientific community.
Yet despite their uniqueness and valuable contributions to the scientific community, axolotls have suffered at the hands of modernization. With the modernization and industrialization of nearby Mexico City, the lake that they call home has transformed into narrow and polluted canals. This severe habitat loss, coupled with damage caused by invasive species, means that axolotls are almost exclusively bred in laboratories, and very few still live in the wild.
Despite efforts by the Mexican government to preserve axolotl’s territory, problems persist. Mexico City is a densely populated and expanding city with huge demands for water. But local people have begun to voice their concern. They see axolotls as essential parts of their culture and tradition.
Recently, scientists have been working to revitalize the axolotl’s native ecosystem by bringing back the ancient technique of farming on chinampas, floating islands which create good habitats at their bases. Yet many worry whether this will be enough. After all, most farmers are not planning on reverting to ancient methods when agrochemicals are available.
The axolotl represents a classic case of an animal that is directly affected by human actions. With numbers dwindling, more drastic and strict measures ought to be taken to ensure their survival. Some of these legal and agricultural solutions will help mitigate the effects of urbanization, but they won’t eliminate them. For local government, conservation comes at a cost to a city with an ever-increasing population. They’ll need to make sacrifices if they want to save the axolotl, especially considering its potential for the scientific community.