Conservation 

The axolotl is critically endangered, after months of searching the IUCN estimated 50-1000 matured adults living. Their numbers are rapidly declining, based on studying the extinction rate that the axolotls will be extinct within 10 years. This is because of a multitude of reasons. The reason why the axolotl is nearly extinct is entirely due to humans. To begin with, the axolotl is an endemic species, and in 1519 the Spanish invaded the Aztecs, taking over their lands. Over the years they chose to live around Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco, this became Mexico City. Over the year there were flooding issues due to Lake Chalco, thus by 1970 Lake Chalco was completely drained. At this point, it was not known that the axolotls were endangered. There was also drainage on Lake Xochimilco, however, the lake still exists, being the only wild habitat for the axolotls. With the Spaniards moving into the area there was a rapid urbanization of the land further destroying the habitat, and with it being a historical landmark, it is popular among the locals and is a huge tourist attraction, this has brought massive pollution. And one of the other major issues is that two invasive exotic species were introduced in the 1960s, the Grass Carp and the Nail Tilapia. These two species eat the vegetation that the axolotls use to breed and where their prey lives. 

There are currently four separate conservation methods working to help the axolotls. The first is that chytridiomycosis is being treated, there is an antifungal treatment, and a catch and release process to cure the infected and then return them home. 

Secondly, there are breeding systems for the axolotls, where they are being studied and their breeding habits are recorded, there is hope that one day those bred in captivity will be able to go into the wild. 

Thirdly, the local boatmen were educated on axolotls and their territory, they also have flagships and use those resources to inform locals and tourists about axolotls. 

And finally, several barriers were set up to keep the invasive species out of the channels and keep the axolotls and their territory safe. 

Now many things are being done, but unless more is done the axolotl will face extinction, what needs to be done is a fully safe and protected area for the axolotls to survive, away from humans and other invasive species. 

The reason we need to protect the axolotls is that there are so few left and it is because of us. We are the ones that harmed them and put them in this position. It is our responsibility to fix what we have done before it’s too late. 

Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum (2022) ICUN Red List Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl) (iucnredlist.org) 

Schipani, Sam (2018, January 8) How to Save the Paradoxical Axolotl How to Save the Paradoxical Axolotl | Science| Smithsonian Magazine 

Conservation Evidence (n.d.) Conservation Evidence: Evidence Data