Post by account_disabled on Feb 14, 2024 5:48:43 GMT -5
More than two decades ago, many of us had our hands on a small digital device that demanded our constant attention: the Tamagotchi. Now, in a surprising twist, technology offers us an opportunity to care not only for a digital being, but also contribute to the survival of a real species: axolotls, according to National Public Radio . Instead of pressing buttons on a screen to feed or play, we can now contribute significantly to the well-being of a vulnerable species. The National Autonomous University of Mexico has brought this initiative to life, allowing us to adopt a virtual axolotl, name it and receive an adoption certificate. Virtual axolotls, more than a game The term "axolotl" refers to a species of salamander endemic to Mexico, scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum. It is an amphibian that belongs to the Ambystomatidae family. These small guardians of the Xochimilco wetlands have become the protagonists of this new era of virtual environmental responsibility . Despite their perpetual smiles, axolotls have been at risk of extinction for years. More than two decades ago, there were around 6,000 of these tiny amphibians for every square kilometer in Lake Xochimilco, in Mexico City. According to Luis Zambrano, an ecologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), who participated in the axolotl census, at the last count in 2014, there were only about 36 axolotls left per square kilometer. According to the ecologist, although the population of the species has decreased drastically, axolotls are more popular than ever thanks to social networks and the video game Minecraft.
Their sudden online fame has also had a real-world impact, with a surge in demand for axolotls in pet stores. Zambrano is confident that this new global popularity of axolotls can help save the species from extinction. In addition to these efforts, the highest educational institution relaunched the virtual adoption campaign Taiwan Phone Number List for axolotls in mid-November, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of protecting this species for biodiversity. Let's save the axolotls Let's save the axolotls! The fundamental difference of this campaign is that a virtual axolotl is adopted, which its guardian can name and receive an adoption certificate. The campaign not only seeks to recreate the nostalgic experience of caring for a digital being [as the Tamagotchi was at the time], but also to inspire us to take real measures to conserve an endangered species. Money raised through the Save the Axolotls campaign does not accumulate points or levels but funds conservation efforts to provide food and safe habitat for royal axolotls. According to Zambrano, this type of campaign to save the species has received a very good response from people. The same campaign was launched last year and raised almost $30,000, enough to maintain about 40 shelters. But for axolotls to become a healthy population again, they will need 10 times that amount, according to the specialist. The biggest threat to axolotls is urbanization The biggest threat to axolotls comes from humans. Mexico City's growing population has depleted Lake Xochimilco, where most of the world's axolotls live.
Urbanization has also affected the wetland's water quality, which in turn makes the axolotls
. Fish like carp and tilapia, which eat axolotl eggs and compete for their resources, are also partly to blame. That's why the campaign's aquatic refuges can be a game-changer for amphibians, according to Zambrano. These sanctuaries, made possible by the installation of filters in the channels of Lake Xochimilco, are free of pests and tend to have better water quality than the rest of the wetland. Axolotls play a vital role in improving water quality. They have also been an appreciated species in Mexico since the Aztec civilization. Axolotls are also a biological wonder, given their ability to regenerate tissues and stay young. According to Zambrano, scientists have barely scratched the surface of understanding the importance of axolotls. What is within our reach, he added, is to protect the species. «We know what to do. We know where to do it. And we know that if we do it in those places, we will have a healthy population of axolotls,” Zambrano said. «But if society doesn't care too much, it doesn't matter what we know. It will be extinct.
Their sudden online fame has also had a real-world impact, with a surge in demand for axolotls in pet stores. Zambrano is confident that this new global popularity of axolotls can help save the species from extinction. In addition to these efforts, the highest educational institution relaunched the virtual adoption campaign Taiwan Phone Number List for axolotls in mid-November, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of protecting this species for biodiversity. Let's save the axolotls Let's save the axolotls! The fundamental difference of this campaign is that a virtual axolotl is adopted, which its guardian can name and receive an adoption certificate. The campaign not only seeks to recreate the nostalgic experience of caring for a digital being [as the Tamagotchi was at the time], but also to inspire us to take real measures to conserve an endangered species. Money raised through the Save the Axolotls campaign does not accumulate points or levels but funds conservation efforts to provide food and safe habitat for royal axolotls. According to Zambrano, this type of campaign to save the species has received a very good response from people. The same campaign was launched last year and raised almost $30,000, enough to maintain about 40 shelters. But for axolotls to become a healthy population again, they will need 10 times that amount, according to the specialist. The biggest threat to axolotls is urbanization The biggest threat to axolotls comes from humans. Mexico City's growing population has depleted Lake Xochimilco, where most of the world's axolotls live.
Urbanization has also affected the wetland's water quality, which in turn makes the axolotls
. Fish like carp and tilapia, which eat axolotl eggs and compete for their resources, are also partly to blame. That's why the campaign's aquatic refuges can be a game-changer for amphibians, according to Zambrano. These sanctuaries, made possible by the installation of filters in the channels of Lake Xochimilco, are free of pests and tend to have better water quality than the rest of the wetland. Axolotls play a vital role in improving water quality. They have also been an appreciated species in Mexico since the Aztec civilization. Axolotls are also a biological wonder, given their ability to regenerate tissues and stay young. According to Zambrano, scientists have barely scratched the surface of understanding the importance of axolotls. What is within our reach, he added, is to protect the species. «We know what to do. We know where to do it. And we know that if we do it in those places, we will have a healthy population of axolotls,” Zambrano said. «But if society doesn't care too much, it doesn't matter what we know. It will be extinct.