Critically Endangered: Mexican Walking Fish

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Sometimes referred to as the cutest species on the endangered list, the Mexican Walking Fish is not a fish at all. It is a salamander.

Photo: Web Ecoist
This little cutie, whose proper name is "Axolotl", is native to waterways and lakes in Mexico.  The Axolotl are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms and small fish - even on each other in some cases! Not to worry though because if they lose a body part, they can grow it back! Their size ranges from 15 to 45 centimeters but the average length is 23 centimeters (9 inches). Predators need to take care as the Axolotl contains poison glands.


It is the destruction and human invasion of the lakes that have put them in danger. Lakes have been drained and waste water pollution from Mexico City have been the major contributors to reducing their numbers.
The number of axolotls (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) in the wild is not known. But the population has dropped from roughly 1,500 per square mile in 1998 to a mere 25 per square mile this year (2008), according to a survey by Zambrano's scientists using casting nets. ~ Tree Hugger
Photo: Mexican Vacation Travels


What's being done?
So far, scientists disagree on how to save the creature. But a pilot sanctuary is expected to open in the next three to six months* in the waters around Island of the Dolls, so-called because the owner hangs dolls he finds in the canals to ward off evil spirits.  Tree Hugger
(*quote from article May 2011)


Zambrano proposes up to 15 axolotl sanctuaries in Xochimilco's canals, where scientists would insert some kind of barrier and clear the area of nonnative species.


How can we help?
There doesn't seem to be a call-to-action for folks to help so spreading the word and making people aware would be all we can do.


Links:
Rare Resources
Tree Hugger
Axolotls