Axolotl conservation in the Xochimilco wetland

If you have followed our previous reports, you know that our axolotls are now happily settled in their brand-new shelter, built with sustainable materials such as wood and bamboo. We have just gone through a stable winter season, and the axolotls seem to be adapting very well to their new home. Although they are not yet old enough to breed, we have already prepared and conditioned their ponds for when the time comes.

Volunteers from schools, companies, and other non-governmental organizations have visited the Center and have generously supported many of our activities, including specimen monitoring, pond maintenance, and awareness programs. Together, we have also begun the design and construction of a warehouse that will be established at the lake, where the sanctuary will be located.

Speaking of the lake, we also made important progress there. Using the same sustainable materials as in the Center, we built essential infrastructure that allows us to work efficiently while appreciating the future sanctuary: wooden trails, reed railings, and two docks that are now used to embark on our boats and access the area. This is not only an aesthetic improvement but a crucial step that enables us to rehabilitate the ponds and restore the lake ecosystem.

Our next goals focus on improving the water conditions in the surrounding area. We are currently monitoring key environmental parameters using specialized equipment such as multiparametric probes and photometers. These tools help us measure pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammonia, phosphates, nitrates, chlorine, and other factors that directly impact the health of the ecosystem — and, of course, the axolotls.

None of this progress would be possible without your continued support. Every donation helps us strengthen the sanctuary, improve water quality, and ensure a safe future for the axolotls. We invite you to keep being part of this conservation effort — together, we can secure a thriving habitat for generations to come.

The rainy season in Xochimilco, Mexico, has come to an end. This year, rainfall was significantly higher than in previous years, which helped to replenish the water reserves of Mexico City and central Mexico. Xochimilco was no exception, its wetland is now thriving with life. Thanks to these favorable conditions, our conservation work has become a bit easier, as we can operate more frequently in the field.

However, the rehabilitation process also faces new challenges. The abundant rainfall accelerated the growth of invasive aquatic plant species, which have spread rapidly and now cover large portions of the water channels. Over the next few weeks, one of our main tasks will be to remove these invasive plants to restore the natural flow and balance of the ecosystem.

Meanwhile, at our Conservation Center, the new axolotl shelter is finally ready! Within this facility, we have established three ponds designed to simulate natural wetland conditions while maintaining controlled parameters such as temperature, native plant composition, and water quality. Each pond houses a separate axolotl population in confined spaces to ensure safe adaptation. This marks the first stage of a larger rehabilitation strategy, helping axolotls gradually adapt to the environmental conditions they will later face in the restored wetland.

Over the past few months, more than ten volunteer groups have joined our efforts, assisting in the construction and maintenance of these ponds. In parallel, we are building six additional tanks dedicated exclusively to the reproduction of native aquatic plants. These plants will later be reintroduced into their natural habitat to counteract the spread of invasive species. Among them, the Mexican water lily (Nymphaea mexicana) stands out as one of the most emblematic native species of Xochimilco.

This project represents a vital step in the long-term restoration of Xochimilco’s wetlands, a unique ecosystem that sustains biodiversity, local communities, and the cultural heritage of Mexico City. Through the combined efforts of our team and the volunteers who join us each week, we are not only protecting the habitat of the axolotl but also rebuilding the ecological balance that this landscape depends on. Each pond, each native plant, and each restored canal brings us closer to ensuring that future generations can continue to witness the extraordinary natural and cultural value of Xochimilco.

We want to thank to the many people, groups and institutions that support these activities, volunteers and donors, because we have had a lot of progress towards our goals this year.