Ecologists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico on Friday renewed a fundraising campaign to support conservation efforts for the axolotl salamander, a species of fish-like salamander they say is on the verge of extinction. Associated Press.

The campaign, called “Adoptaxolotl,” is asking people for 600 pesos (about $35) to virtually adopt one of the little “water monsters.” Virtual adoption comes with ongoing updates on your axolotl’s health.

For a smaller amount, donors can buy one of the creatures a virtual dinner.

Population density of Mexican axolotls in their main habitat has fallen by 99.5% in less than two decades, according to the scientists behind the fundraiser.

Last year’s Adoptaxolotl campaign raised just over 450,000 pesos ($26,300) for an experimental captive breeding program and habitat restoration efforts in the ancient Aztec canals of Sochimilco, a southern district of Mexico City.

However, there are not enough resources for a thorough study, said Alejandro Calzada, an ecologist who studies lesser-known axolotl species for the government’s environment department.

“We lack large-scale monitoring of all water in Mexico City,” let alone the entire country, said Calzada, who leads a team of nine researchers. “It’s not enough for such a large area.”

Despite the creature’s recent rise in popularity, nearly all of Mexico’s 18 axolotl species remain endangered, threatened by water pollution, a deadly amphibian fungus and rainbow trout.