- Native only to Mexico, the axolotl salamander can regenerate limbs and even parts of the brain and heart
- A museum and conservation centre is highlighting their story and raising awareness of the threats to its natural habitat
The axolotl is a critically endangered species because it is under threat from polluted water, urban sprawl and non-native predators. Photo: APA museum and conservation centre dedicated to Mexico’s critically endangered axolotl salamander is highlighting the amphibian’s remarkable story that has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike.
Axolotl (pronounced ah-sho-LO-tul) salamanders have an impressive ability to heal themselves. They were showcased in the exhibit, which opened in January, at Mexico City’s Chapultepec Zoo.
The centre aims to raise awareness of the animal, which is native only to Mexico. It is dwindling in the wild because of serious threats to its natural habitat.
For decades, researchers have marvelled at how the axolotl can regenerate amputated limbs, damaged body tissue, and even its heart and brain (see graphic).
“They are one of the few animals that can regenerate their skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, heart, brain,” said Fernando Gual, head of wild fauna conservation at the zoo.
Scientists have also documented its ability to breathe with lungs and gills, as well as absorb oxygen through its skin. This makes it particularly vulnerable to polluted water.
“A hugely important part of this space is environmental education,” Gual said of the new museum’s exhibits, workshops and labs.
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In Aztec legend, the desperate rebel god Xolotl transformed himself into an axolotl to hide and avoid being sacrificed by his fellow gods. He was still discovered, captured and killed. The animals were also common on the banquet tables of Aztec kings.
The axolotl native to Mexico City’s southern Xochimilco district is especially well-known. But Gual pointed to 16 other kinds of axolotls that also call Mexico home – each one was “like a wetlands ambassador”.
Axolotls once thrived in Xochimilco’s muddy canals, the only remaining part of a once extensive system of Venice-like waterways dating back to Aztec times. But urban sprawl, contaminated water and non-native fish that like to eat young axolotls have led to the salamander’s near-total collapse, according to population surveys.
Reuters
What other animals can regenerate their body parts?
The axolotl is not the only animal that can regrow parts of its body.
Starfish are known for their ability to regenerate limbs, and some can even grow a whole new body from a lost limb. To make this happen, it stores nutrients in the arm until it can regrow its mouth.
The Mexican tetra is a river fish that can regenerate its heart tissue. Meanwhile, zebrafish not only can regrow the retinal tissue in their eyes, but can also regenerate damaged parts of the heart after a heart attack.
Many lizard species such as the green iguana and bearded dragon are also able to detach their tails when they sense danger is near. Geckos, for instance, take only 30 days to regrow their new tails.
The Turritopsis dohrnii, a species of jellyfish, can live forever. When it is damaged or starts to decay, the jellyfish regenerates into polyps – an earlier stage of life for the jellyfish. This life cycle reversal can be repeated, and under the right conditions, this animal would never die of old age!