Captive-bred axolotls survive in the wild

Endangered axolotls bred in captivity can survive when released into both artificial and restored wetlands in Mexico. Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are aquatic amphibians endemic to Lake Xochimilco in southern Mexico City. But the species has faced threats of habitat loss, urbanization, pollution and invasive species. Scientists have bred the species in captivity and released them back into artificial and restored wetlands. In a study published in PLOS One, researchers set out to see how these captive-bred amphibians did by using VHF telemetry to track movement patterns, home range size and habitat use. They found that axolotls in an artificial pond and a restored wetland survived, but those in artificial ponds had larger home ranges and distances traveled. They also found that female axolotls traveled farther than males and the amphibians preferred specific temperatures. Overall, the researchers said the findings show using both native and artificial habitats in conservation strategies and monitoring the habitat is important.

Read the study in PLOS One.