MEXICO CITY — There’s a fascinating story about the axolotl, an amphibian that has captured the hearts of many in Mexico. Legend suggests that this creature, known for its peculiar appearance, was once a god in disguise before becoming the beloved salamander it is today. Yanet Cruz, director of the Chinampaxóchitl Museum in Mexico City, emphasizes the unique charm of the axolotl as she guides exhibitions that include both this remarkable salamander and the ancient chinampas, which are pre-Hispanic agricultural systems that resemble floating gardens still present in Xochimilco, a district known for its picturesque canals.
Cruz celebrates the significance of the axolotl among the native people, describing it as a cultural symbol despite the existence of many varieties. Activities commemorating “Axolotl Day” took place in early February to reflect on its importance. While the exact population of axolotls today remains uncertain, Ambystoma mexicanum, the species native to central Mexico, has been classified as “critically endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2019. The struggle to conserve the species and its habitat is ongoing, with both biologists and local officials making dedicated efforts to prevent its extinction.
The axolotl gained global recognition in 2021 when it was introduced as an element of the popular game Minecraft. This surge in popularity coincided with the announcement by Mexico’s Central Bank to feature the axolotl on a 50-peso bill, an event that ignited widespread enthusiasm known as “axolotlmania.” Cruz notes this phenomenon has permeated Mexican culture, where images of the amphibian have appeared in street murals, crafts, and even quirky merchandise like socks. Additionally, some bakeries have delighted patrons with treats inspired by the axolotl, while a local brewery proudly carries the name “Ajolote,” a direct tribute to this unique salamander.
Historically, before the Spanish conquest of Mexico-Tenochtitlan in the 16th century, the axolotl may not have received the extensive artistic representation that deities like Tláloc, the rain god, enjoyed. However, it is mentioned in ancient Mesoamerican scriptures. The Nahua myth of the Fifth Sun narrates how the god Nanahuatzin sacrificed himself in fire to become the sun, urging other gods to do similarly to bring dynamism to the world. All complied except Xólotl, a deity associated with the evening star, who attempted to escape his fate.
As the myth goes, Xólotl was eventually hunted down and killed, giving rise to the axolotl. This tale implies a profound connection between the divine and the axolotl, with the creature said to embody the essence of the deity Xolotl, whose spirit transcends into new life with every axolotl born. The biological attributes of the axolotl, including its regenerative capabilities and distinctive breathing methods, have added to its perceived sacredness in pre-Hispanic culture.
Biologist Arturo Vergara, who oversees axolotl conservation efforts, highlights the peculiarities of the species. In places like Ambystomania, where Vergara works, prices for these creatures start at around 200 pesos ($10 USD), depending on species, color, and size. Once they reach about four inches in length, axolotls make easy pets, with a potential lifespan exceeding 15 years under proper care in captivity. In their native habitats, however, their life expectancy is considerably shorter due to environmental challenges.
The axolotls displayed in the museum, originating from polluted lakes and canals, face significant threats to their survival. Vergara points out that many areas rich in microbial life can drastically affect the species’ feeding and breeding capabilities. It is crucial for them to live in a suitable aquatic environment, and their natural habitat needs to be preserved for their longevity.
Efforts to conserve the axolotl also align with protecting the chinampas, according to Cruz. These ancient landscapes are vital not only for the axolotl to reproduce but also for their historical significance in supporting crops like maize and beans among pre-Hispanic societies. However, many chinampas have dried up and are no longer fruitful, facing modern threats such as urbanization and recreational activities.
For both Cruz and Vergara, saving the axolotl is deeply intertwined with preserving the ecosystems from which they originated. Cruz aptly refers to the chinampas as remnants of the lake city of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, stressing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding this living archaeological treasure for future generations. “If we, as citizens, don’t take care of what’s ours, it will be lost,” she warns.
