July 23, 2009 | 7 comments

Saving the Good, the Bad--And the Ugly [Slide Show]

A hyena might not be as adorable as a tiger cub or dolphin, but a few champions of nature's endangered ugly underdogs say the hideous are just as worthy of protection as the huggable

By Katherine Harmon

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SCARCE SALAMANDER

This swimming salamander is critically endangered and is known to live only in a small area just south of Mexico City. Like many other amphibians, the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) has vanished from a large part of its original habitat. Although recent surveys have turned up few specimens, they are still being caught by locals who harvest them for medicinal uses or to sell as pets. Invasive species and water pollution are also presumed threats to this small, 23-centimeter-long salamander.

Thanks to Nathan Yaussy for highlighting this one (and several that follow) on his blog.

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