Axolotl
a zine
by Utkan Dora Öncül
Axolotl (pronounced ACKsuh-LAHtuhl)
The name “Axolotl” comes from the Aztec language, “Nahuatl”. One of the most popular translations of the name connects the Axolotl to the god of deformations and death, Xolotl, while the most commonly accepted translation is “water-dog” (from “atl” for water, and “xolotl”, which can also mean dog).
Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name Scientific Name
Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma Ambystoma
mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum mexicanum
Amphibian
Carnivore
Up to 12 inches
2.11 to 8 ounces
Critically Endangered Critically Endangered Critically Endangered Critically
Axolotls are long-lived, surviving up to 15 years on a diet of mollusks, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and some fish. Accustomed to being a top predator in its habitat, this species has begun to suffer from the introduction of large fish into its lake habitat.
Found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SOchee-MILL-koh) near Mexico City, axolotls differ from most other salamanders in that they live permanently in water.
Populations are in decline as the demands of nearby Mexico City have led to the draining and contamination of much of the waters of the Xochimilco Lake complex.
They are also popular in the aquarium trade, and roasted axolotl is considered a delicacy in Mexico, further shrinking their numbers.
we have stolen their home
And today, lakes for human sight stand on what used to be axoltl habitat.
We have nothing to do until they exit the door of the planet
permanently.
explorer productÄąons 2019