The Mexican axolotl is a species endemic to the waters of the rivers of Mexico. However, it has been found a Mexican axolotl in Spain due to the purchase and sale of this animal to keep it as a pet at home. This situation means that this animal is becoming an invasive species that can displace the native species of Spain.
In this article we are going to tell you what the dangers of the Mexican axolotl are in Spain.
Key features
The Mexican axolotl, whose scientific name is Ambystoma mexicanum, is a species of salamander endemic to Mexico that stands out for its unique characteristics and its importance in biology.
It is an aquatic animal that looks like a salamander with external gills, which differentiates it from most salamanders, which develop lungs during their life cycle. Its body is elongated and usually measures between 15 and 45 centimeters in length., although some individuals can reach larger sizes.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mexican axolotl is its external gills, which allow it to obtain oxygen from the water instead of relying on the lungs. These gills are long and feathery, which facilitates the capture of oxygen dissolved in the water.
The coloration of the axolotl varies widely, but is generally dark tones, such as brown, green or gray. It often has spots or patterns on the skin. The axolotl is endemic to freshwater lakes and canals in the Valley of Mexico region., mainly in the Xochimilco lake system. It is known for its ability to survive in warm, shallow waters, making it a typical inhabitant of bodies of water with abundant vegetation.
the axolotl It is famous for its impressive regeneration capacity. It can regenerate limbs, heart tissue, spinal cord, and even parts of its brain. This makes it a valuable subject for tissue regeneration in medical and scientific research. It's also important to mention that the decline in its habitat, a result of global warming, puts many species at risk, including the axolotl, which is among the endangered species.
Their diet consists mainly of small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans and worms. They are agile predators and use their well-developed senses to detect prey.
This animal faces significant threats due to the loss of its natural habitat, water pollution and the introduction of invasive species. It is classified as a critically endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Mexican axolotl in Spain
The Mexican axolotl is not simply an endangered salamander; It also has the unique characteristic of maintaining its youthful features into adulthood. This species, native to Xochimilco, near Mexico City, has been discovered in Spain, raising concerns about the impact on biodiversity. Albino axolotls are fairly common, especially in captivity, but can also be found in black or brown with mottled patterns. These creatures are so beloved that they have their own national day on February 1.
The appearance of his face is quite pleasant, resembling that of an ageless creature. However, this similarity has made the creature is considered a prized delicacy in Mexico, which has caused a significant decrease in the population. As a result, a conservation program called the National Action Plan for the Management and Conservation of the Axolotl in Xochimilco was established within the Xochimilco Ecological Park. The initiative was spearheaded by the Darwin Initiative Project in the United Kingdom and is expected to be effective in preserving the species.
Where in Spain has it been discovered?
Finding an endangered species in our region should evoke happiness and relief. It was discovered a month ago in Marçà, located in Priorat (Catalonia). Although there are several witnesses who claim to have seen the species before in this area.
After successfully capturing the first animal, the 7-year-old felt compelled to return to the river to see if he could find more, and surprisingly, he did. Rural Agents from the Department of the Interior were in charge of transferring both animals to a specialized center, where They underwent preliminary examinations.
It is evident that the presence of this particular creature in the rivers of Catalonia is solely attributable to human intervention. The question remains: how is this possible? The answer is simple, since you can acquire this creature for just 30 euros.
Negative effects of Mexican axolotl in Spain
The growing trend of buying exotic animals online as pets has led to the presence of axolotls in the natural habitat of Catalonia. However, it is essential to keep in mind that abandoning these animals in their natural environment Not only is it illegal but it also represents a significant threat.
Although the cuteness of this species may provoke the impulse to hug it, its ability to reproduce in Spain represents a significant threat to native organisms. The fauna of the rivers that cross the Iberian Peninsula is suffering increasing damage from invasive species, which are causing serious damage to native populations, including death. These species are no longer simply competing for territory, but are also transmitting diseases and competing for the same food sources.
Is it legal to buy Mexican axolotl in Spain?
In Spain, The purchase and sale of axolotls is regulated by Law 4/1989, on the Protection of Vertebrate Animals.. The law establishes that the purchase and sale of axolotls is legal as long as the animals are kept in a suitable place and meet the necessary requirements to guarantee their health. Axolotls should be healthy when purchased and should receive proper care. In addition, the purchase of axolotls is subject to the supervision of the competent authorities. Buying and selling axolotls is a common practice in Spain and many consider axolotls to be a sustainable and healthy food source.
The purchase and sale of axolotls is legal in Spain, as long as the requirements established by law are met. These animals are considered a healthy and sustainable food source for many people.
- Since 2020, axolotls are protected by Spanish regulations and therefore cannot be bought or sold.
- Axolotls are an endangered species, so It is recommended not to buy them but to take them to a recovery center to return them to their habitat.
- Salamanders are amphibians whose prices vary depending on age and size, but they are not sold as pets in Spain.
- There are some companies that specialize in selling axolotls, but these companies only sell them for scientific purposes and cannot use them for commercial purposes.
- Salamanders are very vulnerable animals and wildlife conservation laws must be considered to prevent the extinction of these species.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Mexican axolotl in Spain and its consequences.