In full preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Mexico City has chosen the axolotl as its distinctive symbol. This amphibian, which appears in advertising campaigns and urban elements, represents resilience and cultural identity. However, in its natural habitat, the canals of Xochimilco, the species faces a critical threat of extinction.
The axolotl: from cultural emblem to endangered species
The popularity of the axolotl contrasts with its vulnerable status. Despite being a growing icon, the Ambystoma mexicanum is classified as a species in critical danger. The main causes of its decline are habitat loss and water pollution. While its image is celebrated, the quality of the water it lives in continues to deteriorate.
In the presentation of the official World Cup image, the Government of Mexico City highlighted the axolotl as a symbol of the ancient lake system, alongside icons like Quetzalcoatl.
However, experts like Luis Zambrano, an ecologist from the UNAM, point out that attention to its image does not imply its effective conservation. The axolotl needs a clean environment and less urban pressure, not just to be a visible face for tourists.
The figures are alarming. In 1998, there were about 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer in Xochimilco. By 2002, the number dropped to 1,000, and in 2014, only 36 were counted. This decline is not just a statistic; it is a gradual extinction.
Zambrano warned that the axolotl remains in critical danger and the latest UNAM census has not yet been completed. Although there are still specimens in Xochimilco, it is likely that they are fewer than in 2014. The problem lies in the loss of its habitat rather than just the simple count of its numbers.
A recent study showed that only 114 of the 228 kilometers of canals are suitable for restoration. Factors like urbanization and intensive land use reduce this figure to less than 40 kilometers. This means the axolotl is increasingly losing its safe habitat.
The prevailing image of the axolotl, in white or pink tones, is a creation of laboratory specimens. In nature, the axolotl is dark, which provides camouflage. This difference matters, as the erroneous representation can confuse the public about the species’ true conservation needs.
Nevertheless, there are efforts to protect the axolotl. UNAM leads AdoptAxolotl, a program that seeks funds to restore its habitat and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The chinampa refuges are another effort to improve water quality and curb invasive species.
For the axolotl to be more than a visual icon, it is vital that public policies are oriented towards conserving its habitat. Xochimilco faces not only the loss of a species but a significant part of its living history.
