(EN) Lake Pátzcuaro salamander

This special newt, which originates from Lake Pátzcuaro, is virtually extinct in its namesake lake. Nuns living by the lake saw in it, as in all living creatures, a creature of God that must not be allowed to die out. At the same time, they recognised the economic benefits of using its mucus to produce a medicine. With great meticulousness and dedication, they bred this interesting amphibian behind their monastery walls. Initially, the zoo community helped with this important task and now many private enthusiasts are also helping to increase the population of the newt, which remains in the larval stage (neoteny) throughout its life. This has made it possible to stabilise the population, at least outside its natural habitat.