"Mexican walking fish" Near Extinction

Life, to me, is made rich by the diversity that exists in the world. It is for this reason that some of my most memorable experiences involve being at farmers markets in Montreal, Halifax, Vermont, & most recently Florida, and traveling & living in places like Fiji, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico, where I could touch, smell, see, and feel all the things that make a place unique -- from the distinct look of the flowers and trees to the way the people socialize & comport themselves.

All this to say that it is a very sad day when a fascinating little creature such as the Axolotl salamander (better known as the Mexican walking fish), an animal that is so unique-looking it could pass as someone's imaginary construction of how a tiny monster or a character from a high-tech sci-fi movie might appear, is on the brink of extinction. Looking at these beautiful little things, I am reminded of that classic look on a child's face when they are first introduced to an exotic animal -- that look of utter awe and amazement and the way their whole face seems to light up, as if a light of curiousity has been switched on within their minds. And I am faced with a pang of sorrow knowing that if this mesmerizing fish goes extinct, there will be one less reason for a curious child's inner light to shine bright.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/11/ubercool_mexica.php