UNAM Biologists Survey Axolotl Population After a Decade

A team of biologists from Mexico's National Autonomous University (UNAM) is carrying out the first census of wild axolotls in ten years. The study is taking place in the canals of Xochimilco, a district in Mexico City. The census is divided into several stages, with the first phase having been completed from September to October 28th. The team is now set to review the findings to assess the current state of the axolotl population, which is considered endangered.

The next phase of the census is scheduled for February next year, where the team aims to refine the data collected. Preliminary results from the census are expected to be released in the first half of 2025. The last recorded data from 2014 showed approximately 36 axolotls per square kilometer, a drastic drop from 1998's figure of 6,000 per square kilometer.

The decline in axolotl population is attributed to urbanization, water quality deterioration, and the introduction of foreign species. To combat this, UNAM's Institute of Biology is implementing various conservation efforts. These include the Chinampa-Refugio project and the AdoptAxolotl campaign, which aims to raise 6 million Mexican pesos (around 294,000 dollars) to restore the Xochimilco area. The third edition of this campaign was launched this week.