Nuns, scientists & microchips: An alliance to save Mexico’s achoque salamanders

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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Dominican nuns in Mexico have become key players in conserving critically endangered achoque salamanders, which are down to fewer than 150 in the wild. Their efforts, combined with innovative microchipping technology, are vital for the species' survival.
Nuns, scientists & microchips: An alliance to save Mexico’s achoque salamanders
A What happened
The Dominican nuns at the Monastery of Our Lady of Health in Mexico have taken on a crucial role in the conservation of the critically endangered achoque salamander, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild. Their efforts have transformed a 150-year tradition of breeding these salamanders for cough syrup into a vital conservation program. Scientists from Chester Zoo have partnered with the nuns to develop a microchipping technique that allows for the identification of individual salamanders without harming them. This collaboration aims to monitor the health and population of the species, which is threatened by pollution, overfishing, and climate change affecting their natural habitat, Lake Pátzcuaro. The nuns' dedication and the innovative research efforts are essential for the future of the achoque salamander.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Innovative Microchipping Technique: Microchips implanted in salamanders allow for individual identification and health monitoring.

  • 2

    Nuns as Conservationists: Dominican nuns have evolved their traditional practices into a critical conservation effort.

  • 3

    Threats to Habitat: Lake Pátzcuaro faces pollution and climate change, endangering the salamander's survival.

Takeaways

The collaboration between the Dominican nuns and scientists exemplifies how diverse groups can unite for conservation. Their innovative approaches are crucial for the survival of the achoque salamander, highlighting the importance of community involvement in environmental protection.

Topics

Climate & Environment Climate Change Conservation