Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) Fact Sheet: Distribution & Habitat

Current distribution

• No longer found in most of its historic range due to habitat degradation (Zambrano et al. 2007; IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020)
  • Wild populations very small
• Now only found at 3 isolated sites in the southern part of Mexico City (Xochimilco district, a mix of urban and rural areas) (Bride et al. 2008; SEMARNAT 2018; IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020, and as noted)
  • Lake Xochimilco (Rabiela 1991; Griffiths, Bride, et al. 2004; Zambrano et al. 2009)
    • Interconnected canals surrounded by raised agricultural fields (chinampas)
    • Water area occupies about 2 km² (0.8 mi²)
    • Popular for tourism and as a recreational area for local people
  • Lake Chalco
  • Lake Chapultepec (Recuero et al. 2010)
    • Cement-lined lake in a city park
• Also see Reintroductions

Historic distribution

• Originally native to the lakes, wetlands, and water system of the Mexican Central Valley (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020; Frost 2021)
• Permanent lakes near Mexico City (Smith 1989)
  • Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco (and presumably in the connecting lakes Texcoco and Zumpango)
    • Large lake basin formerly fed by springs, snow meltwater, and runoff (Brandon 1989)

Lakes, canals, and springs

• Deep-water lakes (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020)
  • With natural or artificial canals (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020)
  • Aquatic vegetation (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020)
  • Mud, sand, or gravel substrates (SEMARNAT 2018)
• Urban canals and wetlands (Zambrano et al. 2009)
• Found to associate with some of the few remaining springs in Xochimilco (Brandon 1989; Contreras et al. 2009)

Habitat needs

• Clear water to visually detect prey (Contreras et al. 2009; Chaparro-Herrera et al. 2020)
• Water plants (Ayala et al. 2019)
  • Use vegetation for egg laying (Zambrano et al. 2007; IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2020)
  • Provide cover/hiding places from predators (Zambrano 2006; Ayala et al. 2019)
• Schaffer (1989) reported a water temperature range of 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F)
  • Similar to that used in zoos; see Managed Care

Axolotls are only found in a few lakes and canal systems in the southern part of Mexico City.

Historically, they lived in lakes and wetlands throughout the Mexican Central Valley.

Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN).