Threats
These are threats that lead to the extinction of axolotls in the wild
Pollution
Human waste Mexico City sewers overflows and leads to contamination of much of the waters of the Xochimilco Lake complex
The lake system is highly eutrophic, meaning it is so rich in nutrients from agricultural runoff that the booming plant life kills the endemic species by depriving them of oxygen
With their permeable amphibian skin, axolotls are particularly vulnerable to the ammonia, heavy metals, and other toxins carried by human excrement
Many reed mats (a plant that axolotls lived in) died from pollution
Photo Credit:GreenPeace
Poaching
-
Popular in the aquarium trade
-
Roasted axolotl is considered a delicacy in Mexico
-
Sold as food in Mexican markets
-
Illegal fishing activity
-
People dump their waste into the water
-
-
Many were poached to become pets
Photo Credit:George Clerk
Predators
While they do have very few predators, the few that they have greatly contributed to their extinction in the wild
Birds such as herons
Larger fish
Humans
Non-native fish eat young axolotls
Some farmers have introduced invasive carp and tilapia which eat the axolotl eggs
Photo Credit:Birds Inc.
Tourism
-
Hotels being built in the area cause pollutants to run-off into waterways
-
Tourists leave behind their garbage
-
Increase in transportation harms the habitat
-
boats and cars ​
-
-
Increased tourism is poorly regulated
Photo Credit:Ignacio Fariza
Current threat to amphibians
Disease
-
Populations of more than 500 species of amphibians have declined significantly because of a fungal outbreak
-
Studies of the fungus's DNA suggest that it originated on the Korean Peninsula
-
Fungus was spread to other countries via the international pet trade
-
Scientists are currently working on how to kill this fungus before it kills more amphibians
