Scientists have discovered that one of the world's most endangered amphibians - the weird, ever-smiling Mexican Axolotl - thrives after artificial wetlands are released.

In a study that studies the long-term future of a organism pushed to the edge of extinction, scientists released 18 captive-raised axolotls in restored and artificial wetlands near Mexico City.

The researchers equipped the animals with radio trackers and found that they "successfully survived and foraged in both locations" and even gained weight.

This is a "stunning result", said Dr. Alejandra Ramos, principal investigator at the Baja Autonomous University.

The findings, published in the journal PLOS One, said the researchers said Axoltol could be brought back to its native habitat.

The water of Xochimilco is shaped by traditional agricultural customs and is rinsed with spring water from the mountain - used with these amphibians.

But as Mexico City develops, urbanization, pollution and other pressures push the axolotls to the brink of extinction, some estimates indicate that there are only 50 left in the wild.

"If we lose this species, we will lose a part of our Mexican identity," said Dr. Luis Zambrano, a co-leading researcher at the National University of Mexico.

It is not an exaggeration to call Axoltol an icon. The legend of the Aztecs believed that the creature was a god in the form of sal-the Aztecs' Vulcan, Lightning, Xolotl, was disguised as sal.

Dr Samburano continued: “If we can restore this (wetland) habitat and restore Axolotl’s population in a city with more than 20 million people, I feel we have hope for humanity.”

To unleash the animal’s foundation, the researchers worked with local farmers and a team of volunteers to create wetland “sanctuary” for Axolotls. They installed natural filtration systems to clean water,

Scientists have released captive animals at two sites - one in Xochimilco and the other in abandoned quarries, which have become what they call "artificial wetlands" for decades.

Each animal is marked with a radio tracking device.

"The surprising news is that they all survived," Dr Ramos told BBC News. "Not only that, but the people we recaptured have gained weight - so they are hunting."

Monitoring also reveals interesting insights into Axolotl behavior. "We found that some people spend most of their time with another person - like they have these little friendships," Dr. Ramos explained.

Ironically, these charismatic sals were found in hundreds of thousands of world labs and pet aquariums. The species is biologically fascinating - it has the ability to regenerate any damaged or lost part of its body. Therefore, research is being conducted to see if this capability can be utilized medically.

However, in the wetlands of Mexico City, there is still a lot of work to do to clean and restore habitats and give wild Axolotl a chance to recover.

“Many animals are losing habitat around the world,” Dr. Ramos said. “And the recovery project is not easy, but it can be done – they only need a lot of people.

“You don’t need to be a scientist to be involved – everyone in the world can help.”