IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered
For more info on classifications, visit www.iucnredlist.org
Factfile
Where they live
Mexico City, originating from two nearby lakes called Xochimilco and Chalco
Habitat
high altitude lakes with low temperatures, especially during winter months
Size
30cm
Weight
60-200g
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
Habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and overcollection for trade.
Did you know...
- Axolotls are probably one of the most scientifically studied salamanders in the world because of their ability to regenerate lost body parts.
- As well as gills, axolotls also develop lungs. They’re one of the few creatures on Earth to use gills and lungs to breathe, although they mostly rely on their gills.
More about axolotls...
Unlike other salamanders, axolotls are neotenic, meaning they keep juvenile characteristics into adulthood. The axolotl remains aquatic (like larvae) their entire life. Though it develops functional lungs, it uses its feathery gills to breathe underwater. Like youngsters, they retain external gills, a tail, and a body fin, and lack moveable eyelids.
The axolotl was once found in the lakes of the Mexican Central Valley, including Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco near Mexico City, Mexico. Now, as a result of human development, only one of these two cales – Xochimilco – remains.
Xochimcilo is now a system of artificial channels, small aleks and temporary wetlands between urab areas. Destruction and pollution in this water system has caused serious population declines, meaning that the species is now classified as critically endangered. The axolotl is also threatened by introduced fish species, such as tilapia and carp. Historically, overcollection for the pet trade has also threatened axolotl.
