Axolotl conservation in the Xochimilco wetland

Continuing with this project, during the last few months we have carried out several volunteer activities at the lake, achieving important progress in habitat restoration and conservation efforts.

One of the main activities has been the removal of the invasive water plants from the water bodies, helping to improve water quality and restore suitable conditions for native species. In addition, we continued our reforestation efforts along the trails by planting ahuejote trees (Salix bonplandiana), a native species that plays a key role in the ecological balance of the area.

Work on the trail system also continued during this period. Besides improving access to the sanctuary, these trails serve as firebreaks, helping to reduce the risk of wildfires in the conservation area. To date, an additional 150 meters of trails have been established. In total, seven volunteer workdays have been organized at the lake during this reporting period, thanks to the invaluable support of community members, schools, and partner organizations.

At the Conservation Center, we have welcomed new axolotl specimens that will strengthen our environmental education and awareness programs for visitors. These animals provide an excellent opportunity to inspire people about the importance of conserving this iconic species and its habitat.

Another significant step forward has been the installation of an electrical system powered by solar panels. Since our facilities are located within a conservation area and do not have access to the public electricity grid, this renewable energy system will provide power for essential operations, including oxygen pumps for the ponds and other basic needs of the Center. This improvement will greatly enhance our capacity to maintain optimal conditions for the axolotls while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices.

These achievements have only been possible thanks to the continued support of our donors and volunteers. Your contributions are helping us restore critical habitats, improve our conservation facilities, and build a sustainable future for the axolotl and the ecosystems on which it depends. We invite you to continue supporting this initiative and remain part of this growing conservation success story.

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.