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Scientists search for DNA of an endangered salamander in Mexico City’s canals
Scientists use environmental DNA to track axolotl populations in Xochimilco canals as numbers dropped from 6,000 to 36 per square kilometer between 1998 and 2014, showing conservation impact.
- Scientists from Mexico's National Autonomous University are filtering Xochimilco's murky waters in Mexico City for DNA of the endangered axolotl salamander as of 2025.
- The axolotl population has fallen drastically due to habitat loss and pollution, declining from an estimated 6,000 per square kilometer in 1998 to just 36 in 2014.
- Researchers collected water from 53 sites—10 inside cleaner protected areas called refuges and 43 outside—and found axolotl DNA primarily within these protected zones.
- Biologist Luis Zambrano said, "it's very little," referring to unprotected areas, but called this a sign of resilience since the axolotl reproduces and can recover easily.
- Researchers intend to carry on with their monitoring efforts and aim to share new census results sometime early next year, while encouraging policymakers to safeguard traditional farming practices and limit new developments on the chinampas to support conservation.
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24 Articles
24 Articles
In Mexico City, Scientists Hunt for an Endangered Creature
Sixty years ago, residents of a canal-crossed borough in Mexico City could pluck axolotls—the large salamander reminiscent of a tiny dragon—out of the water with their hands because they were so plentiful. Now it's almost impossible to find them in the wild. That's why scientists from Mexico's National...
·Miami, United States
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60 years ago, the residents of Xochimilco, the lake area south of Mexico City, could grab ajolotes with their hand. Now see this peculiar amphibian that looks like a mixture of salamander and dragon is almost impossible, but scientists follow the track through their DNA.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left11Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 38%
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