IUCN Species of the Day: Axolotl

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

Photo credit: Ian Bride

 

The Axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. This extraordinary species, which persists in a larval stage throughout its life, is restricted to an area of less than 10 square kilometres around Xochimilco on the southern edge of Mexico City.

Whilst there are large numbers of Axolotls in captivity around the world, the wild population is extremely small. The most significant threat to the Axolotl is the increasing pollution of lakes and canals as Mexico City continues to grow. The capture of this species for research and the pet trade contributed to population declines, but the Axolotl now breeds well in captivity thus alleviating this threat.

Conservation efforts for the Axolotl are focusing on raising the profile of Lake Xochimilco through conservation education and a nature tourism initiative, alongside work on habitat restoration. In addition, there are several captive colonies around the world, which may eventually provide opportunities for re-introductions of the Axolotl to parts of its historical range, once the main threats have been addressed.

 

Geographic Range of the AxolotlCredit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

 

To learn more about the Axolotl, click here.  Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.

 

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To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

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