MEXICO CITY — According to local legend, the axolotl was once more than just an amphibian; it was viewed as a clever deity long before it became an iconic symbol of Mexico and conservation efforts to save it from extinction began.
“It’s a fascinating creature,” remarked Yanet Cruz, the director of the Chinampaxóchitl Museum in Mexico City, where the focus of the exhibits is both on the axolotl and the traditional chinampas, which are often described as floating gardens and represent a pre-Hispanic agricultural system still utilized in Xochimilco, an area known for its iconic canals. Cruz highlighted the significance of the axolotl to local indigenous communities, stating, “Despite the various types, the axolotl found here is emblematic of the identity of the native populations.” As part of the “Axolotl Day” celebrations held in early February, the museum hosted a series of activities spotlighting this remarkable amphibian.
Current estimates of the axolotl’s population remain elusive, but the species, scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum and native to central Mexico, has been classified as “critically endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2019. Efforts led by scientists, historians, and environmental advocates aim to protect both the axolotl and its habitat, though an unforeseen phenomenon related to its preservation has emerged as well.
The axolotl gained significant popularity internationally after its inclusion in the video game Minecraft in 2021, which sparked a frenzy in Mexico, particularly following a decision by the Central Bank to feature the creature on the 50-peso banknote. “That was the tipping point for what we now call ‘axolotlmania’,” Cruz related.
This unique salamander can be seen portrayed throughout various domains in Mexico, including murals, handicrafts, and even socks. Baked goods inspired by the axolotl have gained popularity in local bakeries, while a brewery named “Ajolote” honors the amphibian through its branding.
Historically, prior to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the axolotl might not have had as prominent an archaeological legacy as the rain god Tláloc or the lunar goddess Coyolxauhqui, but it is mentioned in ancient Mesoamerican texts. One such reference is found in the Nahua myth regarding the Fifth Sun, where the god Nanahuatzin self-immolates, becomes the sun, and urges other deities to follow suit for the world’s animation. While others complied, a deity associated with the evening star named Xólotl evaded capture but was ultimately hunted down.
Arturo Montero, an archaeologist with the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, described the myth: “Upon his death, a creature emerged: the axolotl.” Montero interpreted the legend to mean that a deity’s spirit is trapped within an ordinary creature after its demise, linking the axolotl to the divine essence of Xólotl. The cycle of the axolotl’s life and death is thus tied to the natural world, and it is said to cycle back into existence after descending to the underworld, encapsulating the essence of its divine ancestor.
Montero claimed that the current intrigue surrounding the axolotl parallels its ancient sacred status, attributed to its unique biological traits. Observing them through the glass of aquariums, where academic facilities nurture them and hatcheries provide them for sale, can be tricky. Their skin commonly adopts darker shades to blend in with its environment, although an albino variant does exist. They are known to stay motionless for hours, either submerged deep in sediment or resting at the bottom of their enclosures.
One unique aspect of the axolotl is its ability to breathe through both its gills and skin, which plays a crucial role in its aquatic lifestyle. Moreover, the species holds an extraordinary ability to regenerate major organs, including parts of the heart and brain. “This species exhibits remarkable characteristics,” commented biologist Arturo Vergara, who oversees axolotl conservation initiatives and cares for specimens sold at a hatchery in Mexico City.
Prices for axolotls at Ambystomania, the facility managed by Vergara, begin at approximately 200 pesos ($10 US), largely depending on the species, coloration, and size of the animal. Once they reach four inches in length, they are typically available for purchase, and according to Vergara, they are relatively easy to maintain as pets. “While they usually live for around 15 years in captivity, we’ve had some individuals reach up to 20 years,” he noted. “In their natural setting, however, they likely survive just three to four years.”
The axolotls showcased at the museum, which represent one of 17 recognized varieties in Mexico, are native to lakes and canals that have become increasingly polluted over time. A healthy axolotl population would likely struggle to find sustenance or reproduce under such conditions. “Picture the bottom of the canals in areas like Xochimilco, Tlahuac, or Chalco, where numerous harmful microbes are present,” Vergara explained.
Under ideal conditions, axolotls possess the remarkable ability to heal from bites inflicted by predators or temporarily endure dry spells by burying themselves in the mud. However, to achieve this, a suitable aquatic habitat is essential. “Conservation efforts tied to the axolotl also entail the preservation of chinampas,” Cruz elaborated while standing beside a display of axolotl-inspired dolls.
Chinampas are critical not only as breeding grounds for axolotls but also historically as areas where pre-Hispanic societies cultivated staple crops like maize, chili, beans, and zucchini. Some contemporary residents of Xochimilco continue these farming practices despite facing environmental challenges.
“Many chinampas have become desiccated and are no longer productive,” Cruz lamented. “In areas where chinampas once thrived, you might now find soccer fields.” For both Cruz and Vergara, the commitment to preserving the axolotl is tied to the broader goal of safeguarding the unique ecosystem that birthed it. Cruz poignantly remarked, “This remarkable system of chinampas is all that remains of the lake city of Mexico-Tenochtitlan. I remind our visitors that Xochimilco is a living archaeological site. If we, as a community, fail to protect our heritage, it may be lost forever.”
