The document discusses the axolotl, a critically endangered salamander species native to Mexico. Axolotls used to inhabit Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco near Mexico City, but their habitat has been degraded by pollution, urbanization, and introduced fish species. They are now only found in isolated areas of Lake Xochimilco. Axolotls are important for scientific research due to their regenerative abilities. Conservation efforts include breeding programs, habitat restoration, education, and ecotourism, but the wild population remains very small.

1. UCM 60203U3
BIODIVERSITY IN
MALAYSIA
GROUP MEMBERS:
• Farah Aida Sham
• Muhammad Fareez Sham
• Haroon
• Zhi Kang

2. AXOLOTLS
‘AX-OH-LOT-UL’

3. SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

4. AXOLOTL
• NATURE OF ANIMAL: SOLITARY EXCEPT MATING
• DIET: SMALL AQUATIC CREATURES INCLUDING WORMS & INSECTS
• LIFE SPAN: IT CAN LIVE FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS
• IUCN RED LIST CATEGORY: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

5. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Lake Xochilmilco Lake Chilco
Axolotls are endemic to Mexico
• They are native to central Mexico specifically to the high altitude, fresh water
lakes Xochimilco and Chalco south of Mexico City.
• Their distribution is fragmented due to the decline of the quality and extension
of its habitat.
• Lake Chalco has been drained for drinking water and no longer exists.
• Lake Xochimilco is only a network of canals and lagoons.

6. • The axolotl is almost extinct in its
native habitat due to pollution of
the canal system, water channels
and lakes.
• Urbanization, Lake Chalco
• Flood, Lake Xochilmilcho.
• Newly introduced fish such as carp
and tilapia is competing for food
and are predators of axolotls.
THREAT

7. • Regeneration Abilities.
Axolotls are capable of re growing lost limbs
thus they are used widely in laboratory
experiments.
• Cute and adorable like species.
Axolotls are endemic species in Mexico and
they are only a limited number of them, but
people are fascinated with these creatures
and make them as pets because some
Axolots are cute grinning creatures.
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO
EXTINCTION

8. ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF
AXOLOTL
• Axolotls were the top predator in their native environment, making them
important in structuring community dynamics.
• The axolotl is carnivorous, consuming small prey such as worms, insects,
and small fish in the wild. Axolotls locate food by smell, and will "snap" at
any potential meal, sucking the food into their stomachs with vacuum
force.

9. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
OF AXOLOTL
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
• Axolotls are an important research animal and have
been used in studies of the regulation of gene
expression, embryology, neurobiology, and
regeneration.
• Occasionally taken as a food item (substituted for
fish), axolotls are prepared by either roasting or
boiling and the tail is eaten with vinegar or cayenne
pepper.
• They have also been used for medicinal purposes.
Positive Impacts : Pet trade, food , source of medicine or
drug research and education
• There are no negative effects of axolotls on
humans

10. CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO SAVE THE
AXOLOTL
• Breeding programmes- to save the species
through ex-situ conservation (breeding species
outside its natural habitat). Several breeding
colonies around the world.
• Habitat restoration- Initiative to increase habitat
size and water quality of Lake Xochimilco and
bioremediation (eliminate hazardous
substances).
• Education- educate locals through non-profit
programme initiatives
• Ecotourism- there is more awareness by locals
and the government, to educate tourists about
the Axolotl.

11. Original Condition
• Lake Chalco no longer exists, as it was artificially drained to avoid periodic flooding,
• Lake Xochimilco remains a remnant of its former self, existing mainly as canals.
• Axolotls exist in six isolated areas of the former Lake Xochimilco, mostly clumped around the few remaining
natural springs.
• The axolotl is currently on the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s annual Red List of threatened
species.
• Listed by CITES as an endangered species and by IUCN as critically endangered in the wild.
• They are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs.
• They were also sold as food in Mexican markets and were a staple in the Aztec diet.
Current Condition
• The axolotl requires deep-water lakes and water bodies with
abundant aquatic vegetation.
• In the past, the axolotl is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake
Chalco in central Mexico.

12. Population
• In a study covering a span of six years (from 1998 to 2004), axolotl density had reduced from 0.006-org/ m2 to
0.001-org/ m2, although it is thought that this reduction could also be due to its own population dynamics (Zambrano
2006).
• A recent scientific survey revealed no axolotls, although wild-caught animals are still found in the local market,
which indicates that fishermen still know where to find them.
• The surviving wild population is very small.
• Distribution range have usually captured fewer than 100
individuals (e.g., during 2002 and 2003, more than 1,800 net
casts were made along Xochimilco canals covering 39,173m²
and this resulted in a catch of only 42 specimens).

13. CONSERVATION STATUS
• Raising the profile of Lake Xochimilco through conservation education and a nature tourism
initiative, coupled with work on habitat restoration and bioremediation.
• Protected under the category Pr (Special protection) by the Government of Mexico
• In process of being amended to a higher risk category.
• Currently on CITES Appendix II,
• Currently under the process of "Periodic Review of species included in CITES Appendices".