Endangered Axolotls Thriving in Mexican Rewilding Program

Thought Question: If you could help protect one animal or place in the world, what would you choose and why?

In 2018, a research team at the Autonomous University of Baja California in Mexico released 18 captive-bred axolotls into the wetlands around Mexico City. The creatures are among the world’s rarest and most endangered amphibians. So the team was very nervous. The at-risk creatures mean a great deal to people of the region. 

"If we lose this species, we lose part of Mexican identity," zoologist Luis Zambrano told the BBC. 

Zambrano’s team has been tracking the frill-gilled species for the past seven years. They hoped the creatures might survive being placed back in their natural habitat. To their delight, the axolotls surpassed hopes.   

"The (great) news is that they all survived," biologist Alejandra Ramos said. "The ones that we recaptured had gained weight — so they're hunting." 

The team published their findings last week. Using microtransmitters, they tracked the creatures' daily movements. They observed which habitats the 8-inch-long aquatic amphibians preferred. Curiously, they learned that axolotls seem to like bunking with certain pals.

"We found that some spend most of their time with one other individual — like they make these little friendships," Ramos told the BBC.

The team also tracked threats to the species. They found that egrets seemed to find axolotl tasty. The experts said they will add hollow logs and below water burrows to the axolotls’ habitat. These will help the creatures hide from birds. And any boost to the population, Zambrano argues, is a good sign for the world.

"If we can … restore (the axolotl's numbers) in a city of more than 20 million people," he said, "I feel that we have hope for humanity."  

Gif of axolotl from GIPHY.