MEXICO CITY — Beneath the tourist gondolas in the remains of a great Aztec lake lives a creature that resembles a monster with a slimy tail, plumage-like gills and a mouth that curls into an odd smile.
The axolotl, also known as the “water monster,” was a key part of Aztec legend and diet. Against all odds, it survived until now amid Mexico City’s urban sprawl in the polluted canals of Lake Xochimilco.
Scientists are racing to save the foot-long salamander from extinction, a victim of the draining of its lake habitat and deteriorating water quality. In what may be a final blow, non-native fish introduced into the canals are eating its lunch and offspring. Some advocates are pushing for a series of axolotl sanctuaries in canals cleared of invasive species, while others are considering repopulating Xochimilco with axolotl bred in captivity. The Associated Press
