Mexican Walking Fish Nearing Extinction

We're saddened to learn that the alien-looking Axolotl salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum), aka Mexican walking fish or Mexican water monster, is seriously threatened with extinction because of habitat destruction and water pollution.

One of the coolest things about Axolotl - apart from their appearance - is they ability to regenerate most body parts.

One problem is with non-native fish species like the Asian Carp and the African tilapia that eat young Axolotls. They haven't evolved in the same environment, so they don't have good defense mechanisms against them.

The other big issue is habitat destruction. Lakes have been drained, and wastewater from Mexico City pollute waterways. This will not be easy to fix, but something will have to be done because these species that are threatened are just the canary in the coal mine. Bigger problems are on the horizon.
Read the full story here.

-OR-

Gorillas Increasingly Threatened By Human Conflict
Animals! Big News Page

Comments

[Yalegirl03]

This is sad. I remember growing up when I wanted to be a zoologist, I had this green box filled with cards about different animals. I forget the name of it now, but you could buy new packs of animal cards to grow your collection. These weird little guys were my favorite creature, I think in large part because they looked so funky and I couldn't pronounce their names. They also look like they are smiling. I hope something can be done to save axototl.

[bby328]

They will if they walk into Texas.

[Yankeegirl1958]

This is really heartbreaking!!!!

[mlaiuppa]

Poor little things.

[The Lorax]

Sad