These amphibians are bigger than other salamanders. (Image credit: Getty Images) How big do axolotls get? They once lived in Lake Chalco, but the populations here were lost when the lake was drained because of flood risks to growing developments.Īxolotls live in water at high altitudes and at temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Today the axolotl can only be found in Lake Xochimilco in the Valley of Mexico and throughout the canals and waterways of Mexico City. Axolotl dietĪxolotls are carnivores in the wild their diet consists of worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish. Plus, despite the cultural significance of the axolotl, it is also a delicacy in Mexico and therefore overfishing is a threat. Axolotls were once apex predators, but their numbers have declined since the introduction of tilapia and perch into Mexican waters. The amphibian faces a number of threats including water pollution and habitat loss due to the rapid growth and development of Mexico City. ![]() While there are now more axolotls in captivity than in the wild, these have been bred as pets with a different genetic makeup and cannot be reintroduced into their natural habitat therefore the axolotl is still considered at risk. The axolotl is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).įound only in Lake Xochimilco and the waterways of Mexico City and with only 700-1,200 left in the wild, they are considered an endangered species. (Image credit: Getty Images) Are axolotls considered an endangered species?
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