Endangered ‘water monsters’ sold as pets in Kunming, Yunnan (1/3)

Axolotl, a kind of neotenic salamander also known as “water monster,” or Ambystoma mexicanum is sold as pet at bird and flower markets in Kunming, Southwest China’s Yunnan province. Each of the unique salamanders was sold at an average price of 50 yuan ($8) on local markets. Though axolotl is not a kind of national protected animal in China, the unique salamander has been listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The wildlife protection officials of Kunming said they were trying to contract relevant department to figure out whether or not the animal could be sold in China. [Photo/ CFP]