why are axolotls endangered

Axolotls are endangered primarily due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species in their native environment. Their natural habitat has drastically shrunk, mainly because urban expansion drained many of the lakes they once inhabited, leaving only a small portion of Lake Xochimilco with swampy remnants and canals. Pollution from waste, plastics, heavy metals, and untreated sewage further degrades their environment, making it inhospitable. Additionally, invasive species like carp and tilapia, introduced in the 1970s, prey on axolotl eggs and juveniles and compete for food, contributing to their dramatic population decline. Climate change also impacts their habitat by causing droughts and rising water temperatures. Captive populations face challenges from inbreeding and genetic issues, which affect long-term conservation and reintroduction efforts. Without significant habitat restoration and control of invasive species, their survival in the wild remains bleak.