23 Nuns Fight For the Survival of an Endangered Mexican Salamander
June 15, 2018 - This is the Lake Pátzcuaro salamander. It is a critically endangered species. Overhunting, habitat destruction, and invasive exotic fish have brought the salamander to the brink of extinction. Recent studies revealed that fewer than 100 are left in the wild. But a group of 23 nuns in Mexico teamed up with other International experts to try and save the species. The nuns live in a convent nearby and have used the salamanders to make cough syrup for more than 150 years. Now they’re breeding them not only to keep their tradition alive, but also to save the amphibians from extinction. Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico is the only place in the world these salamanders can be found. Experts say the nuns will play a pivotal role in the survival of the species.
Transcript
This is the Lake Pátzcuaro salamander.
It is a critically endangered species.
Overhunting, habitat destruction, and invasive exotic fish have brought the salamander to the brink of extinction.
Recent studies revealed that fewer than 100 are left in the wild.
But a group of 23 nuns in Mexico teamed up with other International experts to try and save the species.
The nuns live in a convent nearby and have used the salamanders to make cough syrup for more than 150 years.
Now they’re breeding them not only to keep their tradition alive, but also to save the amphibians from extinction.
Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico is the only place in the world these salamanders can be found.
Experts say the nuns will play a pivotal role in the survival of the species.
