Having news of the existence in the natural environment of living specimens of an emblematic, singular and critically endangered species such as the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) could be a reason for joy, unless these amphibians have been located in a stream of the Priorat (Catalonia, Spain), very far from the Basin of Mexico (central valleys of Mexico), the only area in the world where this species has its natural habitat.
The worrying discovery of ojolotes specifically in the Marçà stream has had as one of its protagonists Ot, a seven-year-old boy, who captured a first specimen last April and now in June has found a second. In both cases, Ot’s family has communicated the facts to members of the Rural Agents body, who have taken charge of the animals, for their protection in a specialized center.
The discovery of these specimens is worrisome for various reasons. On the one hand, the axolotl is a species in this case introduced, no doubt, due to the action of humans, in a stream where it is not natural and these specimens can be carriers of microorganisms (specifically, fungi) that can be deadly to native species.
It is also worrying that the presence of axolotls in the natural environment in Catalonia is another example of the growing and improper practice of buying exotic animals as pets; remembering that it is illegal and dangerous to abandon these types of animals in the natural environment.
In the case of the axolotl, one of the paradoxes of the situation of the species -listed as critically endangered on the Red List of species drawn up by the International Union for Conservation of Nature- is that it is an animal that It can be easily purchased over the internet, and to a lesser extent, in specialized physical stores.
