Mexican fishermen join fight to save extraordinary amphibian
Overfishing, pollution and reduced water levels in Lake Patzcuaro, its only natural habitat, mean that the achoque is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In an attempt to prevent it disappearing, biologists from Michoacana University decided to pay the local Indigenous community of San Jeronimo Purenchecuaro to help the achoque to reproduce.
Correa, who knows the lake in the western state of Michoacan like the back of his hand, has a new job as an amphibian egg collector.
Now in his 60s, he remembers when the waters teemed with fish and there was no need to worry for the salamander.
"There used to be a lot of achoques," he told AFP.
"Now the new generation doesn't know about it."
From lab to lake
After the eggs are collected, biologist Rodolfo Perez takes them to his laboratory at Michoacana University to hatch, in the hope of giving the achoques a better chance of surviving.
After the hatchlings have grown enough, they are moved to the community's achoque protection reserve, where the fishermen care for them until they are ready to be released into the lake, said Israel Correa, a relative of Froylan Correa.
The achoque belongs to the Ambystoma group, keenly studied by scientists for an extraordinary ability to regenerate mutilated limbs and parts of organs such as the brain and heart.
If one loses a tail, it quickly grows another.
That has made the salamanders a subject of fascination for scientists hoping to learn lessons that could apply to humans.
Since pre-Hispanic times, the achoque has been a source of food as well as a remedy used by Indigenous people for respiratory illnesses.
Its skin color allows it to blend into its natural habitat.
According to a local legend, the achoque was first an evil god who hid in the lake mud to escape the punishment of other deities.
Perez is trying to hatch as many eggs as possible with the help of the locals to prevent its extinction.
"It's been a lot of work," he said, adding that the biggest challenge is finding money to compensate the fishermen, since the achoques require constant care.
Collaboration between scientists and the local community has helped to stabilize the achoque population, according to the researchers.
There are an estimated 80 to 100 individuals who live in a small part of the lake, said Luis Escalera, another biologist at Michoacana University.
The number, however, is "much lower than it was 40 years ago," he said.
For the fishermen fighting to save them, it is a labor of love.
"We can't miss a day without coming because otherwise they'll die," Israel Correa said at the achoque protection reserve on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
20-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'They're Melting Living Flesh in Hours': Scientists Horrified as Swarm of Flesh-Eating Flies Begins Rapid Takeover of U.S.
IN A NUTSHELL 🐜 New World screwworm resurgence threatens livestock and human health in North and Central America. resurgence threatens livestock and human health in North and Central America. 🌡️ Possible causes include higher temperatures and flies adapting their behavior to avoid sterile males. and flies adapting their behavior to avoid sterile males. 🚜 Eradication efforts focus on sterile insect technique and enhanced surveillance with international cooperation. and enhanced surveillance with international cooperation. 🌍 Climate change complicates eradication plans, underscoring the need for innovative control strategies. The resurgence of the New World screwworm in North and Central America has sparked significant concern among experts and the cattle industry alike. This flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was previously eradicated from these regions, is making an alarming comeback. The fly poses a severe threat not only to the cattle industry but also to a wide range of hosts, including humans and their pets. As the New World screwworm continues to spread northward, understanding the biology behind its infestation and the measures required to combat it becomes crucial. The Return of the Screwworm: A Complex Threat The return of the New World screwworm to North and Central America is a multifaceted issue. This parasitic fly, known scientifically as Cochliomyia hominivorax , was successfully eradicated from the United States and Mexico between the 1960s and 1990s through the strategic use of the sterile insect technique (SIT). This method involved releasing billions of sterile male flies, effectively halting reproduction and leading to the fly's eradication. However, since 2022, there has been a resurgence of the screwworm in several Central American countries, with cases exploding in Panama in 2023 and reaching Mexico by November 2024. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this resurgence, including the possibility of screwworms hitchhiking with cattle movements and higher temperatures enhancing fly development and survival. Another alarming concern is that female screwworms might be adapting their behavior to avoid mating with sterile males, undermining the effectiveness of SIT. The potential impact on the cattle industry is profound, with millions of cattle at risk, particularly in regions like Texas and Florida. Additionally, humans are not immune, with at least eight cases of human infestation reported in Mexico since April. Not China, Not Egypt: This Colossal European Megastructure Is the Largest Man-Made Wonder Visible From Space The Biology and Impact of Screwworm Infestation Understanding the biology of the New World screwworm is crucial in addressing the current threat. The female screwworm is attracted to the odor of any wound, where she lays her eggs. Once hatched, the larvae, or maggots, feed aggressively on living tissue, causing immense suffering and, if untreated, death to their host. This behavior poses a significant threat to livestock, wildlife, and even humans. During the 1960s, cattle farmers in Texas treated around one million cases of screwworm infestation annually, highlighting the potential economic impact if the fly is not controlled. Ecologically, flies play important roles such as pollination and the decomposition of organic matter. However, the New World screwworm has evolved to feed on living tissue, leading to devastating effects. The economic ramifications are considerable, as the previous eradication campaign reportedly cost $750 million, but it also allowed for significant increases in cattle production. The current spread of this fly necessitates urgent measures to prevent history from repeating itself. These Creeping Vineyard Robots Use Insect-Like Legs to Annihilate Weeds With Ruthless Precision and Rock-Bottom Costs Strategies for Eradication and Control Efforts to counter the spread of the New World screwworm are underway, with the US and Central American governments working together to enhance surveillance and eradication measures. Sterile insect releases remain a cornerstone of these efforts, with a facility in Panama producing over 100 million sterile flies per week. This initiative is jointly funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Panama's Ministry of Agriculture Development. However, the scale of the current infestation may require several times this number of sterile flies. To meet this demand, the USDA is investing $21 million to equip a fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, to produce an additional 60 million to 100 million sterile screwworms per week. Moreover, integrated control measures, including anti-parasitic veterinary medicines, are critical in repelling flies and treating infestations. Surveillance with trained personnel is essential, although challenging, as an entire generation of veterinarians and farmers lack experience with screwworm infestations. 'Gene-Edited Pigs Cleared for Dinner': FDA Greenlights CRISPR Pork for American Tables After Safety Review The Role of Climate and Future Challenges Climate change adds another layer of complexity to the eradication efforts. Historically, cool weather contributed to the successful eradication of the New World screwworm. However, with global warming, such favorable conditions may not be available, impacting current eradication plans. Researchers are working to understand how these changes will affect the fly's behavior and the effectiveness of ongoing control strategies. As the screwworm continues to pose a threat, it is crucial to adapt and enhance eradication efforts to prevent its spread further north. The situation underscores the need for continued research and collaboration among countries to protect both livestock and human populations. How can we leverage modern technology and international cooperation to develop more effective strategies against such persistent biological threats? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)
Sustainability Times
12-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'These Sharks Are Masters of Disguise': Astonished Scientists Uncover Blue Shark's Unique Ability to Change Color in a Breathtaking Breakthrough
IN A NUTSHELL 🦈 Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong discovered that blue sharks can change their skin color. can change their skin color. 🔍 The color-changing ability is linked to unique nanostructures in their skin called dermal denticles. in their skin called dermal denticles. 🌊 Environmental factors like water pressure and humidity also influence the shark's color variations. and humidity also influence the shark's color variations. 🌐 This discovery has implications for marine biology and conservation efforts, offering insights into adaptive strategies. In a remarkable discovery that has intrigued marine biologists and enthusiasts alike, researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have unveiled a fascinating ability of the blue shark: its capacity to change color. This revelation adds a new dimension to our understanding of this already unique species, known for its striking blue hue. The ability to alter its skin color not only highlights the complexity of its anatomy but also raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary advantages this might confer. As we dive deeper into the specifics of this discovery, the role of unique skin structures and environmental factors come to the fore. The Unique Ability of Blue Sharks to Change Color While creatures like chameleons and octopuses are well-known for their color-changing abilities, the blue shark now joins this exclusive club. The research team, led by experts at the City University of Hong Kong, delved into the shark's anatomy and identified a distinctive feature in its skin. Blue sharks owe their name and color to a unique nanostructure in their skin, a rarity in the animal kingdom. The presence of this structure is key to their color-changing ability. Dr. Viktoriia Kamska, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Mason Dean's lab, emphasizes the evolutionary significance of producing the rare blue color, which has fascinated scientists. However, the groundbreaking aspect of the research lies not in the blue hue itself but in the shark's ability to change it. This discovery sheds light on the adaptive strategies of blue sharks, enabling them to alter their appearance based on environmental cues, thus offering them potential camouflage and other evolutionary benefits. 'Like a Floating Magic Carpet': Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Creature Stuns Scientists With Its Surreal, Otherworldly Movements The Role of Dermal Denticles in Color Variation The nanostructures on the blue shark's skin are known as dermal denticles, small tooth-like scales that play a crucial role in its color-changing ability. These denticles are composed of pulp cavities containing guanine crystals and melanosomes. Guanine is renowned for its ability to reflect blue light like a mirror, while melanosomes absorb other light colors. This unique composition allows for dynamic color shifts. Depending on the spacing between guanine crystal layers, the shark's skin may appear blue, green, or even golden. When the crystals are densely packed, the skin exhibits a dominant blue shade. Conversely, when the crystals are spaced further apart, the skin takes on a greenish hue. This fascinating mechanism illustrates the complex interplay of biological structures in determining the shark's appearance. 'Large Black-Eyed Creature Discovered': Scientists Identify Bizarre New Species Lurking in Papua New Guinea Gold Mine Environmental Factors Influencing Skin Color While the spacing of guanine crystals is the primary determinant of color variation, other environmental factors also play a role. Researchers found that the depth at which the shark swims can cause its color to shift to a darker blue, influenced by the water pressure compressing the guanine crystals. This finding highlights the dynamic interaction between the shark and its environment. Professor Mason Dean explains that even slight changes in humidity or water pressure can subtly alter the shark's skin color. These fine adjustments can affect how the animal camouflages itself in its natural habitat. Such insights into the blue shark's adaptive strategies reveal the complexity of its interactions with the marine environment and underscore the importance of understanding these mechanisms for conservation efforts. 'Lost for 62 Years Then Found Alive': Ultra-Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Resurfaces in Remote Indonesian Rainforest Against All Odds Implications for Marine Biology and Conservation The discovery of the blue shark's color-changing ability has far-reaching implications for marine biology and conservation. Understanding how these sharks adapt to their environment can inform strategies to protect them, especially in the face of changing oceanic conditions due to climate change. The insights gained from this research could also have broader applications in material science and technology, where biomimicry of natural color-changing processes could inspire innovative solutions. This research highlights the intricate link between an organism's anatomy and its environmental interactions. As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of the blue shark, they open new avenues for understanding the complexities of marine life. What other secrets might these enigmatic creatures hold, and how can these discoveries shape our approach to preserving the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
France 24
10-07-2025
- France 24
Mexican fishermen join fight to save extraordinary amphibian
The achoque, also known as the Lake Patzcuaro salamander, is a lesser known relative of the axolotl, the small friendly- faced amphibian battling extinction in Mexico City. Overfishing, pollution and reduced water levels in Lake Patzcuaro, its only natural habitat, mean that the achoque is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In an attempt to prevent it disappearing, biologists from Michoacana University decided to pay the local Indigenous community of San Jeronimo Purenchecuaro to help the achoque to reproduce. Correa, who knows the lake in the western state of Michoacan like the back of his hand, has a new job as an amphibian egg collector. Now in his 60s, he remembers when the waters teemed with fish and there was no need to worry for the salamander. "There used to be a lot of achoques," he told AFP. "Now the new generation doesn't know about it." From lab to lake After the eggs are collected, biologist Rodolfo Perez takes them to his laboratory at Michoacana University to hatch, in the hope of giving the achoques a better chance of surviving. After the hatchlings have grown enough, they are moved to the community's achoque protection reserve, where the fishermen care for them until they are ready to be released into the lake, said Israel Correa, a relative of Froylan Correa. The achoque belongs to the Ambystoma group, keenly studied by scientists for an extraordinary ability to regenerate mutilated limbs and parts of organs such as the brain and heart. If one loses a tail, it quickly grows another. That has made the salamanders a subject of fascination for scientists hoping to learn lessons that could apply to humans. Since pre-Hispanic times, the achoque has been a source of food as well as a remedy used by Indigenous people for respiratory illnesses. Its skin color allows it to blend into its natural habitat. According to a local legend, the achoque was first an evil god who hid in the lake mud to escape the punishment of other deities. Perez is trying to hatch as many eggs as possible with the help of the locals to prevent its extinction. "It's been a lot of work," he said, adding that the biggest challenge is finding money to compensate the fishermen, since the achoques require constant care. Collaboration between scientists and the local community has helped to stabilize the achoque population, according to the researchers. There are an estimated 80 to 100 individuals who live in a small part of the lake, said Luis Escalera, another biologist at Michoacana University. The number, however, is "much lower than it was 40 years ago," he said. For the fishermen fighting to save them, it is a labor of love. "We can't miss a day without coming because otherwise they'll die," Israel Correa said at the achoque protection reserve on the shores of Lake Patzcuaro.
