Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Mexican ecologists from the National Autonomous University have relaunched the “Adoptaxolotl” fundraising campaign to support the conservation of axolotls, an endangered fish-like salamander.
About Axolotl:
| Description | ||
| What is it | Axolotl is a species of salamander. The name “axolotl” is derived from the Latin words “atl” (water) and “xolotl” (monster). | 
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| Salamanders are a group of amphibians that includes frogs and toads. | ||
| Found in | Mexico City’s Lake Xochimilco | |
| IUCN | Critically Endangered | |
| Features | They have the ability to regenerate lost or damaged limbs, hearts, spinal cords, and even parts of their brains without permanent scarring. They remain underwater throughout their life | |
| Significance | Axolotls are a cultural icon in Mexico for their unique slimy appearance and limb-regenerating ability. | |
| Scientists believe that the regrowing power of Axolotls could hold the secret to tissue repair and even cancer recovery in the future. | ||
| Threats | The Mexican Axolotl population has drastically declined by more than 99% in less than two decades. The primary contributors include Water pollution, the spread of Chytrid Fungus (a skin-eating disease), habitat loss, droughts, wastewater disposal, and the impacts of climate change. | |
