Why The Axolotl Is Endangered: Could They Go Extinct by 2025?
They Could Disappear from the Wild
Axolotls could disappear by 2025 from the wild. | Getty Images
Axolotl Overview
The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), often referred to as the Mexican walking fish, is a unique and fascinating species of salamander native to Mexico. Despite its nickname, the axolotl is not a fish but an amphibian. One of the most remarkable aspects of axolotls is their neotenic nature, meaning they retain their larval features throughout their lives and never undergo metamorphosis. This characteristic allows them to remain aquatic and gilled, setting them apart from other salamander species.
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) have become more famous over the last years. They have captivated the hearts of many around the world, sometimes calling them “Peter Pan” due to their characteristic to remain in a juvenile state, and often recognized for their unique “smiling” faces and extraordinary ability to regenerate limbs. But behind their charm lies a heartbreaking reality: these amphibians are one of the most critically endangered species in the world, and their numbers in the wild are dwindling at an alarming rate. According to a recent study by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the last remaining wild axolotls in Mexico City’s Xochimilco canals could vanish as early as 2025. This blog explores the critical state of axolotls, the factors threatening their survival, and the urgent efforts to save them.
Why Are Axolotls So Unique?
Axolotls are unique evolutionary creatures. Endemic to the ancient lake systems of the Valley of Mexico where the Aztecs used to roam, they are considered “neotenic,” meaning they retain juvenile features throughout their lives. Unlike most amphibians, they do not undergo metamorphosis, remaining aquatic and gilled. These traits have fascinated scientists for decades, particularly their ability to regenerate entire limbs, spinal cords, and even parts of their heart and brain. This remarkable ability, known as axolotl regeneration, allows them to regrow various body parts without scarring, retaining embryonic traits that enable tissue regeneration in a way very different from humans. Beyond their biological wonders, axolotls hold cultural significance in Mexico, often referred to as “ajolotes” and celebrated in local folklore as symbols of resilience and transformation.
Physical Characteristics
Axolotls possess several distinctive physical characteristics that make them stand out among other salamander species. They are equipped with feathery gills that protrude from the sides of their heads, allowing them to breathe underwater. Their webbed feet and dorsal fin aid in their movement through the water, giving them a graceful, almost otherworldly appearance. Adult axolotls can grow up to 30 centimeters in length and weigh up to 250 grams. They have a broad, flat body and a large head, typically adorned with dark coloration, green or brown mottling, and occasional silver highlights. These unique features make axolotls easily recognizable and a subject of fascination for scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Is the Axolotl Critically Endangered?
Yes, the axolotl is critically endangered. In 1998, their population in Xochimilco was estimated at 6,000 individuals per square kilometer. By 2014, that number had plummeted to just 36 individuals per square kilometer, and current estimates suggest fewer than 1,000 remain in the wild. The primary threats to axolotls include:
Pollution: Urban runoff and untreated sewage have severely degraded water quality in Xochimilco.
Invasive Species: Non-native fish introduced for human consumption prey on axolotls and compete for food.
Habitat Loss: Urbanization and agricultural expansion have fragmented their natural habitats.
Rising Water Temperatures: Climate change exacerbates existing threats, making their aquatic environment less hospitable.
Similarly, the tiger salamander, a close relative within the Ambystoma species complex, faces comparable conservation challenges in its native habitats.
How Many Axolotl Populations Are Left in 2024?
While exact numbers are difficult to determine, it’s estimated that fewer than 1,000 axolotls remain in the wild. Unlike many other salamanders, which also face population declines, axolotls face unique challenges due to their specific habitat requirements and neoteny. However, thousands of captive axolotls exist in aquariums and research facilities globally, offering a lifeline for the species.
The Xochimilco Canals in Mexico City: The Last Stronghold or a Party Place?
The Xochimilco canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the axolotl’s last natural refuge. These ancient waterways are remnants of a once-vast lake system that supported the Aztec Empire. However, urban sprawl, pollution, and invasive species have transformed this ecosystem into a battleground for the axolotl’s survival. Axolotls eat worms, insects, and small fish, making them carnivores that rely on a specific diet to thrive in their natural habitat. Also, many local people and tourists use the canals as a party destination, renting boats, bringing alcohol and music and damaging the environment. If you or someone you know wants to visit Xochimilco, I strongly advise to do it with respect for the local flora and fauna, and avoid engaging in behaviour that could damage the environment where these creatures live. Conscious travel is needed if we want to preserve this unique species.
In an effort to reverse the decline, conservationists are working with chinamperos (traditional farmers) to create pesticide-free sanctuaries within the canals. These areas mimic the axolotl’s natural habitat, providing safe spaces for them to breed and thrive.
Xochimilco Canals are full of boats where people tend to party | Photo by Roberto Carlos Román Don
Why Are Axolotls Important?
Axolotls play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat. As both predators and prey, they regulate insect populations and provide a food source for native birds and fish. Their decline signals a broader ecological crisis within the Xochimilco ecosystem.
Additionally, axolotls have significant scientific value. Their regenerative abilities are studied for potential applications in medicine, including tissue regeneration and organ repair. Protecting axolotls isn’t just about saving a species—it’s about preserving an invaluable natural resource for science and humanity.
Global Conservation Efforts to Save Axolotls
Conservationists, researchers, and local communities are rallying to prevent the extinction of wild axolotls. Key initiatives include:
AdoptAxolotl Campaign: This international fundraising effort by UNAM supports habitat restoration and axolotl conservation programs.
Habitat Restoration: Projects like reintroducing traditional farming practices in Xochimilco aim to reduce pollution and create axolotl-friendly environments.
Community Engagement: Educating local residents about the ecological importance of axolotls fosters a sense of stewardship.
Captive Breeding: Zoos and research centers worldwide are breeding axolotls to maintain genetic diversity and support future reintroduction efforts.
Threats to Axolotls
Axolotls are critically endangered in the wild, with only a few hundred individuals remaining. The primary threats to axolotl populations include habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species such as carp and tilapia. These invasive species prey on juvenile axolotls and their eggs, significantly impacting their survival rates. Additionally, axolotls are highly susceptible to disease and poisoning due to their permeable skin, which makes them vulnerable to environmental contaminants.
In captivity, axolotls are popular exotic animals and are often kept as pets. However, the pet trade has contributed to the decline of wild axolotl populations, as many pet axolotls are captured from the wild. Conservation efforts are underway to protect axolotl populations and their habitat, including the restoration of the Aztec agricultural practice of chinampas to shield axolotls from introduced predators and pollution.
Axolotls are also a crucial species for scientific research, particularly in the fields of regenerative biology and tissue engineering. The sequencing of the axolotl genome has opened new avenues for studying the mechanisms behind their remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs and other body parts. This research holds the potential for groundbreaking advancements in human medicine and the treatment of degenerative diseases.
Overall, the axolotl is a unique and fascinating species that urgently needs conservation efforts to prevent its extinction. By understanding more about axolotls and the threats they face, we can work towards protecting these extraordinary animals and their habitat.
Axolotls are also a crucial species for scientific research | Getty Images
How Can You Help?
Here’s how you can contribute to axolotl conservation:
Support Conservation Programs: Donate to initiatives like AdoptAxolotl or organizations working in Xochimilco.
Choose Sustainable Tourism: Visit Xochimilco responsibly, supporting local chinamperos who practice eco-friendly farming. Experience by yourself these marvellous animals by visiting them responsibly.
Raise Awareness: Share the axolotl’s story on social media to inspire action and educate others.
Avoid Exotic Pets: While axolotls are popular in the pet trade, their wild populations suffer as a result. Ensure any axolotl you purchase is from a reputable, captive-breeding source.
Advocate for Clean Water Policies: Support initiatives aimed at improving water quality in Mexico City.
The Road Ahead: Will Axolotls Survive?
The clock is ticking for wild axolotls. Without immediate and sustained conservation efforts, these remarkable creatures could vanish from their natural habitat within the next year. However, their story isn’t over yet. With the combined efforts of scientists, local communities, and global supporters, there’s hope that the axolotl can continue to “smile” for generations to come.
Experience the Axolotls!
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