Why Axolotls are Slowly Disappearing

A Mexican amphibian, the axolotl is believed by many to be the Aztec god of fire and lightning. His name was Xolotl, and he took the form of a salamander to avoid sacrifice. This lore is perpetuated by the fact that the axolotl can regenerate lost limbs, and they never outgrow their juvenile stage.

Unfortunately, the fascination with the axolotl may have contributed to its slow endangerment. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has placed the axolotl on their Red List as of 2020. Listed as critically endangered, it’s believed there are anywhere from 50-1,000 mature individuals left in the wild. 

About the Axolotl

The axolotl can grow up to 12 inches and weigh anywhere from three to eight pounds, and its average lifespan in the wild is 10-15 years. Most axolotls are dark brown with some black speckling, but it’s common for them to have a white mutation or be albino as well. They have a long tail with short legs and feet, and a cute little upturned smile.

They spend their entire life underwater and are found naturally only in Mexico, in a place known as the Xochimilco Lake complex. In the wild, they eat worms, mollusks, crustaceans, fish and insect larvae. One fun fact about the axolotl is that after birth, they will sometimes snack on their siblings’ limbs. This might sound morbid, but it doesn’t phase the axolotl because their limbs grow back. In the wild, they eat beef liver, fish pellets, brine shrimp and earthworms. They aren’t picky about their food and don’t care if it’s dead or alive. 

The axolotl begins the mating process at six months old. The mating ritual involves a unique form of “dancing.” Females lay anywhere from 100-300 eggs, and they only breed once a year, although they may breed more frequently in captivity. Once the female axolotl lays her eggs, she leaves them forever. They hatch 10-14 days later and are on their own from the beginning.

Current Threats

It’s easy to see why people are fascinated with the axolotl, as it has many interesting features and is a unique animal only found naturally in one place in the world. Unfortunately, many factors have contributed to their decline, and conservation efforts are underway to ensure they don’t become extinct.

Pollution

The human effects on axolotls have been mostly negative. Pollution in their main habitat has led to a significant decrease in population. The area they live in has been whittled down to a series of canals as Mexico City expands, and high levels of ammonia, heavy metals, plastics and trash pollute the water. This makes it difficult for the axolotl to not only survive but to breed and replenish the species.

Fishing

Axolotls are considered a delicacy in Mexico City, and local fisherman continue to catch them despite their critically endangered status. Although females can lay many eggs, it’s not enough to keep up with the demand.

Invasive Species

In the 1970s, non-native species were introduced to the axolotl’s natural habitat to ensure there was enough food for the people. This includes predators like tilapia and carp, which feed on axolotls. The introduction of these species has slowly decimated the axolotl population.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures from climate change increase the water temperatures in the axolotl’s natural habitat. With their sensitive skin, this can quickly lead to physiological stress. It also disrupts the reproductive cycle. They thrive in cool water, and the slightest increase in temperature can dry up their already limited environment. As water levels fluctuate due to droughts, axolotls are particularly vulnerable.

Habitat Loss

At one point, the axolotl swam in the cool waters of Lake Chalco and Lake Texcoco in Mexico. The expansion and development of Mexico City destroyed these waters and there are now buildings where these unique creatures once thrived. As population numbers and buildings increase, the axolotl is at risk of completely losing its habitat.

Conservation Efforts

The axolotl is a unique creature that scientists study to determine how they remain youthful throughout their lives and regrow their limbs after a loss. One organization, Conservation International, is creating axolotl sanctuaries in farmers’ canals so they can one day be linked together. The Mexican government has the species listed as at risk of extinction, although legislative efforts have not proven to be an effective way to increase the population.

Conservation efforts include restoring the axolotl’s freshwater habitat, offering ecotourism and creating floating islands made of logs, lake mud and water plants. The National Autonomous University of Mexico, MOJA and the Amybystoma Genetic Stock Center also work to protect the habitat and discover ways to preserve reproductive organs for the axolotl.

How You Can Help

There are several ways you can help save the species. Programs online allow you to adopt an axolotl, support sustainable practices and be responsible pet owners. For those who own axolotls as pets, make sure they aren’t taken from the wild and that they come from an ethical source. You can also work to reduce your negative impact on the environment.