After slithering through the grass, dozens of black slippery axolotls were released into their muddy habitat at Xochimilco's ecological park in Mexico City this week.

Along with prehispanic music and incense, a releasing ceremony was conducted to mark the beginning of a new conservation effort to help preserve this distinctly Mexican amphibian.

Mayors from six of Mexico City's boroughs are joining efforts to maintain the axolotl's environment in the southern lake of Xochimilco. Nearby, around 70 breeding centres have popped up in the past few years to take care of this critically endangered species.

Researchers have discovered that axolotls can also absorb oxygen through their skin – making them particularly vulnerable to dirty water – and regenerate amputated limbs and damaged body tissue, creating intense interest in their genes.

In Aztec legend, the desperate rebel god Xolotl transformed himself into an axolotl to hide and avoid his sacrifice at the hands of his fellow gods. He was still discovered, captured, and killed.