Are Axolotls Endangered?

Axolotls are captivating salamanders renowned for their distinctive appearance. They have become one of the most popular exotic pets in captivity and make excellent laboratory animals.

Tragically, these species are critically endangered with only 50 to 1000 individuals left in the wild. They face numerous threats such as habitat loss, pollution and invasive species.

Habitat loss

Ron Cramer of axolotl.cyou says, Human activities are a major contributor to habitat loss, as they often destroy or fragment natural environments in order to make way for new buildings and businesses. This creates an ecological chaos by isolating species from one another and their food sources.

Axolotls are a prime example of this. Due to the destruction of their natural habitat, they were forced to relocate to Lake Xochimilco where development and pollution have made it increasingly difficult for them to flourish.

Furthermore, invasive fish such as tilapia and common carp have been introduced to the area. These nonnative species consume axolotls and their eggs, potentially reducing their numbers.

Conservationists have sought to protect axolotls by creating sanctuaries in the canals where they live. Zambrano works closely with local farmers, creating chinampas (floating gardens) using aquatic plants and mud from the lake as semi-permeable barriers.

Water pollution

Recent population declines among wild axolotls have been caused by habitat loss and the introduction of invasive fish. Historically, axolotls were the top predator in their lake habitat but have since been overtaken by perch and tilapia, introduced as a way of relieving food scarcity in the area.

Xochimilco’s 150km (93 miles) of canals are polluted with chemicals from Mexico City’s waste treatment plant and sewage overflow, flushing the water with heavy metals and ammonia that the axolotls cannot breathe. Furthermore, they must contend with chytrid fungus which causes them to become ill and eventually die.

Zambrano and other local zoologists are working to save axolotls by releasing lab-bred animals into ponds or reintroducing free-roaming salamanders into Xochimilco. Their goal is to preserve the animals’ genetic diversity and prevent them from going extinct in the wild.

Invasive species

An invasive species is a non-native plant or animal that has the capacity to thrive in an area where it does not naturally exist. They have the potential to alter or destroy native habitats, compete with native wildlife, and reduce diversity – all of which are important factors in our quality of life.

Invasive species can also be spread by people, either accidentally or purposefully. They can wind up in waterways, on shipping pallets and crates, as well as in products we purchase.

Steph notes: ‘Non-native invasive species are the leading environmental and economic hazards for biodiversity in the UK. They disrupt natural ecosystems and consume or poison native species, so we must focus on their control.’

The axolotl is an example of a non-native species that was introduced to the UK from abroad. While they make great pets, it’s unlikely that captive-bred populations will be suitable for reintroduction back into the wild as they could spread disease and genetic problems that would harm existing wild populations.

Poaching

Poaching is a serious issue in many countries, affecting both wildlife and people. Animals are killed for their parts, products or even as exotic pets.

Poaching can be prevented in several ways. One way is by tightening the laws that govern trade of animal parts and wildlife products; this will reduce demand for these items and help to safeguard more animals.

Another crucial strategy is to recruit more rangers and scouts in parks that are being targeted by poachers. This will provide them with income while protecting more animals.

Meanwhile, scientists are actively trying to restore populations of axolotls in their natural habitat. By doing so, they hope to protect this unique ecosystem where they thrive.