Movement ecology of captive-bred axolotls in restored and artificial wetlands: Conservation insights for amphibian reintroductions and translocations.

ABSTRACT: Amphibians are among the most endangered vertebrates globally due to habitat loss, environmental degradation, and urban expansion. The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), a critically endangered aquatic species endemic to Lake Xochimilco, exemplifies these challenges. This study evaluates the viability of restored and artificial wetlands for axolotl conservation by comparing movement patterns, home range sizes, and habitat use. Using VHF telemetry, we tracked captive-bred axolotls released into both environments. Axolotls survived and foraged successfully in both sites, with those in an artificial pond in La Cantera Oriente exhibiting larger home ranges (mean: 2,747 m²) and greater daily distances traveled than those in a restored chinampa in Lake Xochimilco, where home ranges were smaller (mea

SUBMITTER: Ramos AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12043180 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature