Axolotl

The axolotl is a species of salamander endemic to Xochimilco Lake in Mexico City. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. Although axolots make popular pets, with over 1 million believed to exist in captivity, in the wild they are close to extinction, with estimates ranging from just 50 to 1000 adults remaining. The species is most threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and pollution.