"Mexican Campaign Aims to Save Critically Endangered Axolotls through Adoption"

Ecologists in Mexico have relaunched the "Adoptaxolotl" campaign to raise funds for the conservation of axolotls, a critically endangered species of salamander. The campaign allows people to virtually adopt an axolotl and receive live updates on its health. The population density of Mexican axolotls has declined by 99.5% in under two decades, primarily due to water pollution, amphibian fungus, and non-native rainbow trout. The campaign aims to support captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts. However, there is a lack of resources for comprehensive research and monitoring. The Mexican government recently approved an 11% funding cut for its environment department, exacerbating the challenges faced by conservationists.