Amphibians continue to be among the most endangered animals on the planet. due to a combination of factors that, year after year, continue to worsen their situation. The progressive disappearance of wetlands, the pollution of water bodies and the advance of urbanization in natural areas have put many species on the brink of extinction, with the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) one of the best known and most emblematic examples.
In recent years, the scientific community has intensified efforts to understand the causes and seek solutions. that will help halt the disappearance of amphibians. As a group, amphibians are especially vulnerable because their skin, used for breathing, directly exposes them to even the slightest change in their environment, making them sensitive to the effects of pollution, temperature changes, or the introduction of chemicals into the water.
Causes that threaten the survival of amphibians
The advance of urbanization and the deterioration of the natural environment are two of the main causes of risk for amphibians. Species like the axolotl, endemic to Lake Xochimilco, are seeing their habitat diminish at an alarming rate due to land use, pollution, and climate change.
Added to this is the difficulty of surviving outside their natural habitat., since any alteration, such as an increase in water temperature or the presence of pollutants, directly affects their health and reproductive capacity. Unlike other vertebrates, amphibians lack natural skin protection, which exacerbates their vulnerability.
Conservation and reintroduction experiences
In response to the crisis, research teams have developed projects to evaluate the reintroduction of captive-bred species into restored environments.A recent study conducted by Mexican universities examined the feasibility of releasing axolotls in both natural and artificial wetlands and monitored their adaptation and survival.
The results indicate that the captive-bred axolotls managed to survive and feed themselves. in both types of ecosystems. However, individuals released into an artificial environment showed larger home ranges and greater daily movements, while in Lake Xochimilco, mobility was more restricted. Although some individuals suffered predation, all showed an ability to adapt to their new environment.
Restoring constructed wetlands can be an effective tool to ensure the short-term survival of these species, providing stability in the face of climate change or the deterioration of their original habitat. However, experts agree that the real solution lies in restoring and protecting the natural ecosystems on which these animals depend.
The challenge of long-term conservation
Specialists warn that although captive breeding is viable and can generate many individualsThe key to success lies in restoring native habitats and working with local communities, such as traditional farmers and fishermen. The axolotl, for example, is entirely dependent on Lake Xochimilco, and its maintenance requires collaborative efforts to reduce pollution, restore vegetation, and limit human impact on the area.
Furthermore, People involved in these projects highlight the need to expand restoration efforts, as only a small portion of wetlands have been restored so far. Promoting social awareness and sustainable management are essential steps to ensuring the existence of healthy populations in the long term.
Why amphibian survival is essential
Amphibians are key indicators of environmental health due to its sensitivity to changes in the environment. Their disappearance not only endangers the species, but also the entire aquatic ecosystem in which they live., affecting the water quality and biodiversity of the area.
It is essential to understand that protecting amphibians contributes to maintaining ecological balance, as they play important roles in pest control and the food chain. Therefore, their conservation is a commitment that involves the entire society and environmental institutions.