Axolotl Comeback: Captive-Bred Salamanders Thrive in Mexico City Wetlands
In a promising development for the critically endangered axolotl, researchers from the Autonomous University of Baja California have confirmed that captive-bred axolotls can not only survive but thrive in their natural habitats. The groundbreaking study, published in the journal PLOS One, tracked 18 axolotls—nine males and nine females—released in southern Mexico City between 2017 and 2018.
Lead researcher Alejandra Ramos expressed initial concerns over the axolotls’ ability to adapt after years in captivity, noting that they often lose critical survival behaviors. However, the findings revealed that these amphibians were able to hunt, eat, and avoid predators successfully. "The ones we recaptured had gained weight, indicating they were doing really well," Ramos said.
Known for their striking appearance and remarkable regenerative abilities, axolotls are a cultural treasure in Mexico but face extinction due to pollution and habitat loss, with estimates of only 50 to 1,000 remaining in the wild.
This promising study highlights not only the axolotl’s resilience but also the potential for habitat restoration amidst climate challenges, reinforcing their significance in both science and Mexican heritage.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
