The Axolotl Conservation Paradox

The shrinking size of the axolotl population is largely due to human activity. Prior to the introduction of large fish in their habitat, the axolotl was used to being a top predator. The introduction of another top predator upset the natural balance of the ecosystem, increasing competition for the axolotl due to an overlapping ecological niche. Even though competition is natural, the introduction of another fish species is obviously the result of human intervention.

Currently, the axolotl is only found in Lake Xochimilco. They used to be found in Lake Chalco, but all of Mexico's "great lakes" were drained with the exception of Lake Xochimilco in the 1970s for flooding prevention and urban expansion. This marked the start of direct human interaction with the axolotl through habitat destruction.

The water of Lake Xochimilco is highly contaminated. Mexico's poor waste regulations coupled with increasing tourism in Mexico City has led to a large amount of trash, including high levels of plastics and metals, dumped into the canals of Lake Xochimilco. Additionally, the lake complex is highly eutrophic, leading to algal booms and the death of animals due to oxygen deprivation.

The axolotl is extremely vulnerable since it is only (naturally) found in one area. Due to the rapid expansion of Mexico City, Xochimilco is a popular area for development for those who cannot afford to live in the city. This rapid urbanization poses a threat to the axolotl's small habitat and created more stress for they are sensitive to noise.

Axolotls were once eaten by the Aztecs, and they are still eaten today as a Mexican delicacy and can be found in a traditional syrup made for respiratory illnesses.

The size of the axolotl population has exponentially declined. In 1998, a survey found that there were 6,000 individuals per square kilometer. In 2015, not even 20 years later, a recent survey found that there were 35 individuals per square kilometer. It was predicted to go extinct in the wild in 2020 (it has not).

Richard Griffith, an ecologist at the University of Kent, describes the axolotl as a "complete conservation paradox." He explains that their conservation is paradoxical since "it’s probably the most widely distributed amphibian around the world in pet shops and labs, and yet it’s almost extinct in the wild.”

Research

The axolotl has been deemed the "white mice of amphibians" as they are ideal for research since they are easy to rear in the lab. Axolotls are widely studied because of their regenerative abilities and have been essential for major medical advances. Their genome is much larger than that of a human and has also been studied and broken down to pinpoint the genes that code for their heart defect and regeneration. Additionally, the axolotls used for research are highly inbred and are more vulnerable to catastrophe since there is little genetic diversity. Captive populations greatly differ from wild axolotls in both their genome and behavior since they are highly domesticated.

Pop Culture

The axolotl is highly loved as is a prized pet that often appears in pop culture. Toothless, the dragon from How to Train Your Dragon, was inspired by the axolotl (as shown by the image). Dr. Axolotl appears in Disney's show TaleSpin, and another axolotl character is rumored to appear in Disney's up and coming movie Día de Muertos. Yolanda from the Netflix show Bojack Horseman is an axolotl, and it also appears in Pokemon games. Mexico prides itself on being home of the axolotl. Axolotl souvenirs are commonly sold, and they can be found in many murals painted by Diego Rivera. The axolotl is supposed to appear on the 50 peso bill starting in 2022.

The Mexican government holds the most power over the axolotl population. Electing policymakers (in Mexico) that support axolotl conservation and who value the environmental conservation of Lake Xochimilco would be the most effective way to support the axolotl. If more people (besides scientists) were to put more pressure on the Mexican government to intervene more (through petitions, lobbying, etc.), change may be more likely to come.

Having conversation about axolotl conservation both in person and online is another way to bring awareness to the cause. Flagship species are powerful and have the potential to inspire the masses to care more about conservation and protection. As the axolotl is already well loved, it could easily become a flagship species if its dire situation was made more well known.

Donating to organizations that support wildlife conservation is a more indirect way to support the axolotl. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund accept donations to fund their conservation work which often deal with endangered species like the axolotl.

Visiting Xochimilco with the intent to support the axolotl (be it through conversation with locals or by buying axolotl related souvenirs) has the potential to increase the community's appreciation of the axolotl, further pushing them to support axolotl conservation.

• Dr. Zambrano is responsible for most axolotl conservation efforts in Xochimilco. His work is the best place to start and is easily accessible and understood by everyone since he has published research and worked with mainstream media outlets.
• Since axolotls are common in the aquarium trade, they can often be found in zoos or aquariums. This is a great way to come in contact with an axolotl (without the commitment of owning one) and to learn more about it as a species and its conservation status and efforts.
• BBC's Discovery has two episodes on axolotl conservation, one called "The Aztec Salamander" and the other is called "The Nun's Salamander".
• Many YouTube videos have been made by YouTube content creators and well respected organizations on axolotl conservation. Short videos have been made by National Geographic, BBC, and the Detroit Zoo and are packed with information. An interview with Dr. Zambrano on CNN is also on YouTube.