Scientists are researching the DNA of the extinct axolotl in the canals of Mexico

• Scientists are searching for DNA of axolotls in the waters of Xochimilco.
• The population of axolotls has decreased from 6,000 to 36 per square kilometer.
• Conservation improves water quality and increases biodiversity.

Mexico City — For centuries, residents of the area with canals in Mexico could easily catch axolotls — large salamanders resembling tiny dragons. Today, finding them in the wild is nearly impossible.

Scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico are filtering the waters of Xochimilco to find traces of DNA of this extinct species.

"We leave DNA on its path, and it can be captured by filtering surface water or groundwater," said biologist Luis Zambrano from the laboratory of ecological restoration at the university.

Scientists aim to trace the declining number of axolotls, focusing on this technique, as their sightings often turn into offspring during periodic surveys of the population that exists only in Xochimilco.

They took samples of water from 53 sites in Xochimilco: 10 of them were found in the pools with purified water, while 43 were outside of them. The DNA of axolotls was found in protected areas and in one unprotected locality.

Zambrano noted that this indicates the possibility of restoration, regardless of the ongoing ecological degradation and the blockage of canals.

Scientists have studied only a third of Xochimilco using ecological DNA and plan to continue their work and hope to present an updated census at the beginning of the next year.

However, the trend is not positive. From approximately 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer in 1998, only 36 remain per square kilometer according to the last census in 2014.

Zambrano emphasizes that the work of his team confirms the effectiveness of conservation, which also improves water quality and increases the number of species in this area.

He called on politicians to ban the opening of clubs, spa-salons, and football fields on the traditional floating islands of Xochimilco, known as chinampas. The government is encouraged to stimulate traditional agricultural practices, ensuring opportunities for farmers.

"As long as the environment is preserved, the axolotl will adapt to itself," Zambrano added.

Tags: Ecology/Research