What Others Are Doing
Their mission is to ensure the survival and diversity of amphibian species focusing on those that cannot currently be safe-guarded in their natural environments. They coordinate amphibian conservation programs implemented by partners around the world, with primary emphasis on programs within the range countries of the species, and with a constant attention to couple captive conservation measures with necessary efforts to protect or restore species in their natural habitats.
Located in Irapuato, Mexico, this research lab focuses on deciphering the first signals that trigger cell reprogramming for blastema formation during limb regeneration in axolotls. Although, not a conservation laboratory, these researchers are helping in the preservation of axolotls by collaborating in genetic and molecular analyses with a conservation group at the Metropolitan Autonomous University campus in Xochimilco.
Amphibian survival alliance strives to develop a clear strategy to address amphibian conservation challenges worldwide. The objective of the alliance is to review efforts since the publication of the original Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP) in 2007.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)'s Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group created an action plan for Ex Situ amphibian conversation. This plan provides AZA facilities with a North American amphibian conservation action plan and lays the groundwork for the Amphibian Regional Collection Plan. The Collection Plan identifies species that could benefit from ex situ conservation programs, how much space should be dedicated to each with AZA-accredited institutions, and recommends in situ conservation strategies.
This lab located at Harvard University aims to understand the molecular mechanisms at work in the axolotl blastema so that they can later understand why mammals cannot regenerate limbs. Some questions they are trying to answer are: how blastema cells keep from differentiating and how blastema keep track of what tissues beget them, and what types of daughter cells they can produce.