To quote Wikipedia:
The axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is the best known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger Salamander complex. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled. The species originates from the lake underlying Mexico City and is also called ajolote (which is also the common name for the Mexican Mole Lizard). Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large embryos. They are commonly kept as pets in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Japan (sold under the name wooper looper) and other countries.
Basically, it's like a baby salamander with all the right parts for makin' babies.
It's a little disturbing that the species is nearly extinct in the wild. The wild populations have recently suffered ecological changes that are hugely detrimental.
As of 2008, wild axolotls are near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and polluted waters. Nonnative fish such as African tilapia and Asian carp have also recently been introduced to the waters. These new fish have been eating the axolotls' young, as well as its primary source of food. The axolotl is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's annual Red List of threatened species.[update]
The axolotls that we use in the laboratory come from populations that have been captive for decades. Still, it's sad to work with these beautiful animals knowing that their species has basically been blacklisted by Mother Nature.
The Axolotl Rainbow
Excellent post! I'm terribly fond of axolotls (mainly because they look so weirdly cute), but I can't say I know much about them. In fact I don't know much about amphibians in general (are they amphibians?) so this will be interesting to follow.
ReplyDeleteSad but true...Mother Nature does blacklist species a lot. The figure is that something like, what, 99% of all species that ever lived are now extinct? Sometimes it's nice to know that we're not the only ones who drive species to extinction, though. :P
Finally! Someone else who thinks they're cute. A lot of people find them grotesque...
ReplyDeleteThey are amphibians. Technically, they're weird looking salamanders. And as for their extinction, it seems like they weren't very widespread to begin with, though I wonder how many would exist naturally if humans had never interfered.
Ah well...the science must go on!