Axolotl
CR

Axolotl

Ambystoma mexicanum

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axolotl

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Habitat

Axolotls inhabit the freshwater canal system and remnant wetlands of Xochimilco in southern Mexico City, preferring areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and soft substrates. They require cool, well-oxygenated water with temperatures between 14-20°C and are typically found at depths of 0.5-3 meters among the roots of floating gardens called chinampas.

Wetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSite/area managementHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Turbinicarpus horripilus

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Opuntia pachyrrhiza

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Axolotl classified as Critically Endangered?
Axolotl is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range, per the IUCN Red List assessment recorded in the SpeciesRadar database.
Where does Axolotl live?
Axolotl occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Axolotl?
The main threats to Axolotl are 1.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, and 7.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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