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The Mexican axolotl (*Ambystoma mexicanum*), an amphibian native to the Valley of Mexico, is critically endangered due to habitat loss, fishing, and invasive species.
This species, which remains in Lake Xochimilco, retains ancient characteristics of salamanders and has extraordinary regenerative abilities, including regenerating lost limbs and parts of its brain and heart.
Despite being able to move on land, the axolotl prefers to stay submerged, only surfacing to breathe.
Axolotls come in various colours and retain their dorsal fin and external gills throughout their lives.
Their diet consists of molluscs, worms, larvae, crustaceans, and small fish, while their main threats include human activities and introduced fish species.
The axolotl's extinction would cause an imbalance in the Xochimilco ecosystem, where efforts like refuges and the "adopt axolotl" project are in place to save them.
Xochimilco, the axolotl's natural habitat, is threatened by water pollution, the introduction of exotic species, and urbanisation.
Conservation efforts include the creation of the Amphibium Museum of the Axolotl and Amphibian Conservation Center and the Adopt Axolotl program by UNAM.