Despite their never-ceasing grins, axolotls have been at risk of extinction for years.
Over two decades ago, there were about 6,000 of these tiny salamanders for every square kilometer in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. In the last count from 2014, there were only about 36 axolotls per square kilometer, according to Luis Zambrano, who was involved in the axolotl census.
“It’s gotten worse. They’re not completely extinct, but it’s worse,” said Zambrano, who is also an ecologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Although their population has dwindled dramatically over the years, the creatures are more popular than ever thanks to social media and the video game Minecraft. Becoming an online sensation has also led to real-world impact in pet stores, where demand for axolotls has skyrocketed.
Now, Zambrano’s team is hoping axolotls’ newfound global popularity will help save the species from going extinct.
Last week, the National Autonomous University relaunched a campaignto virtually adopt an axolotl, which will allow donors to name their salamander and receive a certificate of adoption. There are also options to help pay for an axolotl’s meal or its habitat.
The money collected from the fundraiser will go toward conservation efforts to help the population thrive in the wild. The same campaign was launched last year and raised nearly $30,000 — enough to maintain about 40 refuges. But in order for axolotls…
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