Axolotls are Critically Endangered
These cute little dudes aren't just endangered, they are critically endangered. What exactly are they? They're little water salamanders. Let's start off with their names. It's pronounced “Ax-oh-lot-ul.” It basically means water dog. Outside of captivity, they are generally brown or greenish. The little branches that stick out from their heads are actually gills. These little dudes may not seem to be endangered in captivity, but outside of aquariums, pet stores, breeders, and labs, they're almost completely gone. The animals can only be found in the lakes and canals of Xochimilco, which is in Mexico.
As a result of pollution and destruction of their original habitats, these creatures are being pushed closer and closer to extinction. Invasive species have also contributed to the declining population.
The species have been preserved for a few years now, just to keep some of them alive. Researchers have built “shelters” made from reeds and rocks to filter the water and create a more safe and desirable living space.
There were about 6000 wild axolotls documented in a 1998 survey, but today, researchers are lucky to find just one. Back in 2014, biologists couldn't find a single axolotl. They had feared the salamanders had gone extinct in the wild. Luckily, the species continues to thrive in captivity.
These axolotls have a name that sounds odd for a reason. Back in the older days, Xolotl was a dog-headed god from Aztec mythology. Xolotl was believed to be a god of all things forbidding, the deity would lead the souls of the dead to the underworld. As with all mythology, it's unknown was happened next, but it was understood that Xolotl was fearful of being killed and transformed into an axolotl to hide. It's believed that axolotls are unable to transform back and be able to walk on land.
On top of everything else cool about these guys, they can also regenerate limbs.
