23 Nuns Fight For the Survival of an Endangered Mexican Salamander | National Geographic

International experts are teaming up with a convent in Mexico to save the Lake Pátzcuaro salamander.

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

Get More National Geographic:

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.

Read more in "Nuns Resurrect Endangered Salamanders in First-of-its-Kind Conservation Effort"

23 Nuns Fight For the Survival of an Endangered Mexican Salamander | National Geographic

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

Recent studies have revealed that there are fewer than 100 of these endangered salamanders left in the wild. What are your thoughts on the attempts being made to increase their population numbers?

[AzlianaLyana]

Uh oh... Less than 100 seems like an extremely low count, almost like it could disappear anytime. I'm really glad that proper measures are taken to avoid this. Bless the experts and nuns for their effort. Thanks for sharing National Geographic.

[Brucey]

*Can we just appreciate the relaxing music*

[reptilesandrandomcomments]

Oh I thought the title said 23 nuns fight 😂😂

[tanishjain]

I pity them
Good job nuns may God bless you

[NewMessage]

Extinction? We'll be having *nun* of that today, mister!

A very good idea to take care of these animals, MY RESPECT is granted!
Una muy buena idea de preocuparse por estos animales. ¡Mi respeto!

[Thincrust]

That's awesome, good for them for trying to save the species.

[Zanew]

Wow the green are so pretty... just ordered my bluegill lucy

[TheChurchHistoryChannel]

4 people want to see the extinction of this salamander.

[noneya]

What a coincidence. 23 nuns fight for the survival of an endangered mexican salamander is the name of my band.

[brimwithadreamofclutchin]

Still waiting for the nuns to have at it..

On a serious note. Its nice to see that people are stepping up to help out this little guys.

[AngrySinn]

Less than 100???? My god, we need to protect these little guys at ALL costs

[yoo]

Every animal no matter how small or how ugly deserves to live

[Noukz]

Oh I was just teaching about amphibians and axolotls to my students last week, I could've shown them this video...

[NewMessage]

Save them before there's nun left!

[ignismaniaco]

I just came to make sure that I read that title right okay

[lovelylittleweirdo]

What is the difference between this species and an axolotl? Or are they the same?

[Triopticblaze]

Btw this is not an axolotl, it is very similar though

[mebansharaisantasticokhong]

First time in my life I've seen nuns do a real good job! May they be blessed