This animal, once famously known as "Uparupa". 'Uparupa' is the Japanese name for 'Axolotl', but when Axolotl became popular in Korea, it was also popular under the name 'Uparupa'. The Pokemon 'Upa' appearing in Pokemon is also a character based on this Uparupa.

The reason why Axolotl has such a cute appearance is because it does not metamorphose. It does not undergo metamorphosis, the process of changing into an adult, so it remains tadpole-like even when fully grown.

Axolotl is a type of salamander that lives in Mexico, and because of its cute appearance, many people keep it as a pet. You can easily find information about Axolotl adoption on the internet. However, this Axolotl is said to be endangered in the wild.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has designated Axolotl as critically endangered (CR). It is estimated that there are less than 1,000 wild Axolotl in the world, mostly in Mexico. While Axolotl is actively traded as a pet, why is it endangered in the wild?

Axolotl lives in lakes in Mexico. The development of the area around the lakes has led to the influx of various wastewater into the lakes, which is considered the main reason for its endangered status. The lake where Axolotl lives is near Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, so it is estimated that it has been more severely affected by water pollution due to development. Industrial wastewater, agricultural wastewater, and urban wastewater are all fatal to salamanders like Axolotl. Salamanders are known to live only in clean water. Therefore, they are more severely affected by wastewater than other creatures.

Another reason for the endangered status of Axolotl is the introduction of invasive species. Fish like Nile tilapia, which were introduced for aquaculture, have been eating Axolotl eggs, leading to a sharp decline in Axolotl populations.

While some people actually keep Axolotl as pets, the National Autonomous University of Mexico is running an online adoption campaign for Axolotl. For 600 pesos, you can participate in activities like feeding the Axolotl, observing its breeding situation, and checking its health, as if you were actually raising it. The 600 pesos you pay upon adoption are said to be used to support efforts to prevent the extinction of Axolotl.

Axolotl, a creature with remarkable regenerative abilities, is the subject of much research and is often kept as a pet due to its cute appearance. But in the wild, it is endangered. It would be nice if Axolotl could live freely in the place where it truly belongs.