The Lake Patzcuaro Salamander lives exclusively in Lake Patzcauro in Mexico. They feed on invertebrates, small fish and aquatic eggs. The feathery structures you can see on either side of their heads are actually their gills, which flare out when submerged underwater.
Fun fact – A convent of nuns in Mexico is one of the biggest driving forces behind the international conservation effort to save this species!
-
Ecology
-
Threats
These salamanders are greatly affected by pollution – the depth of Lake Patzcuaro has been reduced by 2.6 metres due to eroded soil deposits alone. They are also susceptible to parasites carried by other species within the lake, and are caught for human consumption and medicinal use.
-
Conservation
The Lake Patzcuaro salamander is listed on CITES appendix II and is further protected by a partnership between the Mexican government, local communities and a university who use community engagement to protect the species and its habitat. They are bred in captivity with a view to repopulating natural habitats, although much more action is required to control pollution and invasive species in the lake.
Nature’s SAFE stores samples to protect the genetic diversity of this critically endangered species. With their population number so low, this work in vitally important to their survival.
Take action today
Together we can end the extinction crisis
Preserved January 2024
Help us turn the tide on extinction
At least 50 distinct genetic lines are needed to save each species.
On average, it takes £100 to preserve cell and tissue sample from one animal. That’s at least £5,000 to preserve an entire species.
Make a monthly donation to safeguard the future of our natural world.
Donate Now
Fundraise for us
Sponsor a Fundraising Hero embarking on a challenge, or plan your own fundraiser to support us.
Get Started
Corporate participation
Explore opportunities to develop a corporate partnership with us.
Get Started
Patagonian Sea Lion
Total Population: 222,500 to 265,000 in the wild
Capybara
Total Population: Unknown
Brandt’s vole
Total Population: Unknown
Black Hornbill
Total Population: Unknown
Okapi
Total Population: Less than 25,000 in the wild
Wolverine
Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild
Red Panda
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Mandanao bleeding-heart dove
Total Population: Less than 2,500 in the wild
Bush dog
Total Population: Unknown
Scimitar-horned oryx
Total Population: Around 400 in the wild
Mandrill
Total Population: Unknown
African penguin
Total Population: Less than 40,000 in the wild
Red river hog
Total Population: Unknown
Azara’s agouti
Total Population: Unknown
White naped mangabey
Total Population: Around 1,000 in the wild
Black-naped fruit dove
Total Population: Unknown
Lesser Madagascan tenrec
Total Population: Unknown
Hyacinth macaw
Total Population: Around 6,500 in the wild
Arctic wolf
Total Population: Around 200,000 in the wild
