Just a reminder that Axolotls, those cute little pink salamanders are critically endangered in the wild. Axolotls are only native to the Mexican Central Valley. Due to human expansions, invasive species such as Nile tilapia, and chemical run offs, the salamanders are restricted to Lake Xochimilco. Lake Xochimilco is not a large body of water, but rather a small series of artificial channels, small lakes, and temporary wetlands. The lake has poor water quality, caused by the region’s aquaculture and agriculture demands. This is in addition to the intensive use of pesticides. With such a small native population, there is a large loss of genetic diversity. Making most of them inbred and feeble. Conservation efforts have been made to reintroduce and repopulate the axolotls. Many scientists are focusing their conservation efforts on translocation of captive-bred individuals into new habitats or reintroduction into Lake Xochimilco.

Scientists in Mexico have managed to successfully breed over 100 of these salamanders in captivity. They are especially easy to breed compared to other salamanders in their family, which are rarely captive-bred due to the demands of terrestrial life. These axolotls are mostly used for research for many purposes but plans of a semi-artificial wetland inside the National Autonomous University of Mexico have been established and the goal is to establish a viable population of axolotls within it. Studies there have shown that captive-bred axolotls that are raised in a semi-natural environment can catch prey, survive in the wild, and have moderate success in escaping predators. These captive-bred individuals can be introduced into unpolluted bodies of water or back into Lake Xochimilco to establish or re-establish a wild population.
Unfortunately there has been little improvement in the conditions of the lake or the population of native axolotls.



However axolotls are also sold as food in Mexican markets and were a staple in the Aztec diet. The Axolotls are named after the Aztec deity Xolotl, who transformed himself into an axolotl to avoid being sacrificed by fellow gods. They continue to play an outsized cultural role in Mexico. Despite pleas, the Mexican people have made no effort to put an end to the consumption of axolotls because of these cultural reasons.

(If you're sickly curious, the little dudes taste like a combination of white fish and frog legs. A bit on the chewy side.)

In 2020 Axolotls nearly went completely extinct. Both in the wild and in labs. It wasn't until interest was peaked that they bagan to grow due to increased conservation efforts. But now even with the combined numbers of axolotls in captivity they're still endangered. Their numbers arent just take into account. Their natural ecosystem is destroyed. Leaving them unable to thrive on their own.

@Shieldman:
Most of the places I once knew you could donate to that were 501(c)(3) certified have changed their name, shut down or merged with other independent groups. 501(c)(3) certified means you know 100% of the funds are going towards conservation. But that's just in the US.

MOJA promotes the conservation of the Axolotl and its habitat, by establishing a conservation center in the National Park of Xochimilco. More recently a group organization called Ajolotón that foster the reproduction of the amphibians in seven Mexico City boroughs. There have also been conservation efforts led by the Institute of Biology at the National Autonomous University.