Axolotls

May 25, 2023

Scientists are studying how Mexican axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) manage to quickly regenerate lost limbs, gills, tail, even their eyes, and parts of the head.
- By understanding how axolotls regenerate lost body parts, we might be able to do the same in humans.
The axolotl is a species of salamander (lizard-like amphibians) originally found in Lake Xochimilco, near Mexico City.
Sadly, they are now almost extinct in the wild.
Their gene pool survives among individuals bred in captivity for the pet trade and for aquaria.
Even though they are amphibians, axolotls remain aquatic throughout their lives.
The name ‘axolotl’, of Aztec origin, has been variously interpreted as ‘water dog’, ‘water twin’, ‘water sprite’, or ‘water slave’.
IUCN red list- critically endangered
Threats- The leading causes of Axolotl decline are human development, waste water disposal, and loss of habitat due to droughts.