One
of the most charismatic amphibians, the Axolotl salamander (Ambystoma
mexicanum), are struggling on the brink of extinction.
This species claim to fame is it never leaves the larval tadpole stage that
other salamanders progress through. They retain two sets of feathery gill
appendages sprouting from the neck, giving them a goofy and alien appearance,
like something out of Pokémon. Endemic to the” lakes” and water systems
surrounding Mexico City, this salamander had a cultural value to the Aztecs as
well as the current people. They were part of the Aztec diet and today are used
in a folk remedy. Scientists are also using a captive population to study their
regenerative properties. This captive population has flourished but natural
populations are suffering a heavy decline.
Urbanization has decimated the aquatic systems surrounding Mexico City.
Sewage, fertilizer, and trash are constantly being pumped into small waterways,
this salamander’s preferred habitat. People don’t seem to care what goes into
the water. According to a count performed in 1998 and then a decade later, only
one in 60 survived. The Mexican government also dealt the Axolotl a bad hand by
introducing nonnative fish, Tilapia and Asian Carp, to the canal system. This
was done in an effort to feed the large poor population that borders the
salamander’s habitat. These fish are reproducing out of control. They eat the
plant that provides the preferred breeding grounds for the Axolotl as well as
the young.
The preservation of this species has
provoked a debate in the scientific community. The intense habitat degradation
and introduced fish seems like an unfix-able situation so some scientists are advocating
creating new populations away from the city. Others disagree, stating that the
presence of the Axolotl is vital to the ecosystem, as it was top predator
before the fish. If the population were to flourish, it would indicate a
healthy ecosystem. Dr. Zambano is behind this argument. His solution is two
pronged, supporting safe agriculture practices and creating “tilapia-free”
zones with special barriers. He has seen some success but on a small scale.
Others are testing the viability of raising the salamanders in captivity and
letting them back into the canals at a safe size. This has also shown promising
results. Only time will tell if these fluffy slime monsters will make it.
Link to the article:
No comments:
Post a Comment